Harmonix® Turf Defense is the first and only registered turf bio-control fungicide in the UK and Ireland. This innovative solution redefines turf management practices with broad-spectrum contact fungicidal activity, proven to reduce the need for chemical products and change attitudes. It is intended to be used to control turf diseases such as: microdochium patch, anthracnose and dollar spot.

The bio-control fungicide has been developed for the control of fungal diseases on golf courses (tees, greens and fairways) and sports turf (football and rugby pitches, tennis, bowls and cricket pitches) and can be used all year round, on grass in vegetative rest or actively growing.

But how does Harmonix® Turf Defense work? 

Harmonix® Turf Defense is a bio-control fungicide that contains a patented strain of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens (QST 713). This naturally produces bioactive compounds that have fungicidal activity through direct contact with plant pathogenic fungi.

Lipopeptide compounds are produced during the manufacturing process and are present in the finished product in order to have immediate activity from the moment of spraying. On contact, these lipopeptides physically disrupt the cell membranes of the pathogen, resulting in the physical breakdown of its cells.

Mode of Action - Multisite Fungicide 

• Harmonix® Turf Defense produces Lipopeptides during the fermentation process
• Lipopeptides are active biological compounds
• Three classes of Lipopeptides in Harmonix® Turf Defense are complementary in their mode of action - iturins, agrastatins and surfactins
• Bacillus amyloliquefaciens induces the natural defenses of plants by activating their defense genes
• It also acts by competition space/nutrition by creating a protective biofilm at the roots

Lipopeptides are like tiny nails that can puncture and penetrate the plasma membrane of fungi.

The lipopeptides in Harmonix® Turf Defense are made up of fatty acid tail and peptide head. The fatty acid tail is hydrophobic (meaning it repels water) and the peptide head is hydrophilic (meaning it attracts water). This unique combination allows lipopeptides to insert themselves into the fungal cell membrane by forming a tightly packed ring-like structure that can pierce through the membrane.

Once inside, the lipopeptides disrupt the normal functioning of the fungal cell membrane, causing it to leak and eventually leading to the death of the fungus.

As part of an integrated management program, Harmonix® Turf Defense can reduce the number of synthetic fungicides required, decrease the severity of disease outbreaks, and improve turf quality and overall disease prevention.

To receive further updates from Envu and information on Harmonix® Turf Defense sign up for their newsletter:  Subscribe for Envu newsletters - Envu UK & Ireland