Micah had explained using GDD would not let the plant get out of its regulation allowing the effect of the Primo Maxx to be consistent, balancing out the clipping yield while not over-applying and contributing to further summer stress. Simply getting a high clipping yield (not enough Primo) or very little clipping (too much Primo) at any point is not desired. His very simple explanation was to add the low temperature of the day to the high and divide by two to get the average. Add the average of the days together and when the total gets to a pre-set number reapply Primo. This was a quite simple way to schedule the application of Primo Maxx and I soon adopted this method. After various trials, it was evident to see that for Elanora’s greens (A1 bentgrass) with the fertility that My annual conversations with Micah are always In support of GDD modelling, we run (1.2 to 1.6kg N/100m2/yr) that our ‘sweet very interesting and in recent years have merged measuring and monitoring clipping spot’ was 250GDD. This was applying 400ml of from GDD to Minimum Level for Sustainable Nutrition yields is an excellent tool to Primo Maxx every 250GDD. In summer that can be (MLSN), growth potential (GP) and now topdressing/ calibrate the use of GDD to each as few as nine days between applications and in dusting relative to organic matter production (OMP) situation the shoulder seasons it can be as many as 18 days. and thatch control. I thank Micah for taking time This proved to be a much more reliable method out of his days at Augusta each year to have these for scheduling applications and having the desired agronomic discussions as I find his work fascinating results in controlling clipping yield to maximise the and it has definitely improved the surfaces of the putting greens performance. greens at Elanora.” GDD models are an With this method, the Primo Maxx rate stays the same and the time between applications varies. This HAPPY, HEALTHY GREENS excellent tool for means the application timing now accounts for cool Dave Worrad, from AGCSA Trade member company and warm air temperature variations and is applied Living Turf, has a number of clients in NSW that maintaining growth just prior to the plant using up or metabolising all of are actively utilising GDD models for Primo Maxx the Primo. Following this we also collect clippings to applications on their bentgrass/Poa annua greens. regulation in the most gain a better understanding of daily yield and track Here he provides some observations from feedback this yield, measuring them in litres. he has received… efficient way as they It would be inconceivable for anyone to think that “Those superintendent clients of mine who are 250GDD and 400ml of Primo Maxx per application using GDD for the timing of Primo Maxx applications remove the guess will be perfect for their golf course after reading all work off a 200GDD/0oC base temperature model. this, but I do think (and research backs it up) that For logistical reasons some don’t stick to the work out of choosing this method of calculating Primo Maxx application 200GDD model exactly. In some cases they can timings can be modified to suit individual sites and only get their sprayer out on particular days (due the optimal time for grass species. It took one full growing season for to a busy golfing schedule or staffing issues), so in me to work out our ‘sweet spot’ and now it is a these cases they get as close as they can. Others re-application. staple of our agronomic programme. It may be other will apply it weekly, throwing it in with whatever they – MIKE DE LUCA, SYNGENTA Advert 1 Name: FLAME_SYN3235 Barricade Refresh & Positioning - Strip Adverts Size: 62Hmm x 186Wmm Date: 11.01.17 | Round: FINAL Pagnozzi (account service) | luigi@flame.com.au | +61 2 9402 7672 | flame.com.au sites are on 200 to 400 GDD or the Primo Maxx rate are applying to the Luigi foliage that week; these guys Note: While Flame has taken great care in preparing this artwork responsibility for the printed artwork and copy accuracy lies with the client. The printer is responsible for checking artwork before plates are made, accuracy in measurements, plates tolerance requirements, and construction detailing. Any questions please contact flame before proceeding with the job. Copyright 2016 Flame. may vary from 200 to 1000ml/ha. reduce theregistration application rate accordingly.
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TRUSTED
BARRICADE binds high up in the soil profile so it can be trusted around cool season golf greens and in sandy soils
www.greencast.com.au AD 16-395/A
JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2018
17
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