LEATHERJACKETS AND CHAFER GRUBS
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“Nematodes do produce results but we have to learn how to use them properly otherwise people will be dissatisfied with the results.”
} for Acelepryn reapproved for turf for the 2019 season. It has been permitted for use in situations where there is an acknowledged instance of economic damage, or risk of bird strike on airfields and where the product has been recommended by a BASIS qualified agronomist. The approval will be in place until September 30 of this year. The Emergency Summit has a host of influential speakers including Professor John Moverley, of the Amenity Forum; Dr Kate Entwistle, and Dr Colin Fleming, and covered topics including Major turf pests and disjeases; the rising threats of plant parasitic nematodes in turf; the biology of Chafers and Leatherjackets; the role of Biostimulants in turf
management and root development. Dr Ansari is working closely with Swansea University on biological solutions using nematodes and ensuring that they are utilised to best effect to bring about the most effective outcomes. “Nematodes do produce results but we have to learn how to use them properly otherwise people will be dissatisfied with the results. There is a way to apply them to get the best results. We are looking at the Leatherjacket and Chafer Grub lifecycle, at which stage they cause damage and at which stage are they most susceptible to nematodes. Learning about the pest is important in order to get the control we are looking for,” said Dr Asari.
Sprayer unveils its green credentials As part of a drive towards developing environmentally friendly and sustainable products Cambridgeshire based manufacturer Techneat Engineering offer the Acuspray, a pedestrian sprayer, aimed at the professional groundsperson and keen gardener. “It’s a major step forward in design technology and one we are justifiably proud of,” said Techneat’s
20 | Turf Matters | JULY-AUGUST 2019
Technical Support Manager, James English. “There’s no battery or engine so the application rate is controlled by a unique wheel driven pump that remains consistent throughout the day and produces zero carbon emissions. The machine’s plastic construction makes it lightweight, durable and completely recyclable. The Acuspray is an extremely quiet machine with very low decibel noise emissions. Its lightweight construction means it is also very easy to push. Output varies according to forward speed ensuring the correct application rate is always achieved. The Acuspray’s 25l tank enables it to cover up to 625M2 before refilling is required.
“The nematodes can do the job if they are applied in the proper manner – without a problem.” If there was a key headline to have come out of the Emergency Summit it was that Integrated Pest Management was the solution going forward. “Whether you have a chemical or biological product you have to use it in such a way that you can get the best control of the pest. There is no single solution,” explained Dr Ansari, who added that better results are achieved by using a wetting agent in conjunction with the use of the nematodes. Should the status quo remain, more golf courses will be rendered unplayable, or less enjoyable to play, and the work being carried out to find means to resolve the problem is welcome and necessary.
TRIBUTE TO EDDIE SEAWARD There are some people who leave a mark. Eddie Seaward was definitely one of those people. He was the man in charge of the All England courts at Wimbledon from 1990, until the London Olympics in 2012 - fittingly taking his final bow as Andy Murray was taking the applause and a Gold Medal. It is a mark of the esteem in which he was held that his bosses had requested that he put his retirement on hold until after the Olympics, knowing that there was no-one better to peak the iconic courts twice within the space of 20 days. However, while he shone on the greatest tennis stage of them all – he picked up the monikers of the “Guru of Grass” and the “Grass Whisperer” among others - it was behind the scenes, with his work at the IOG, helping aspiring groundsman, that really marked him
out as a special person. You often find that the people with the biggest jobs have the biggest hearts and no-one epitomised this better than Eddie. His lasting legacy are all the young, and now not so young, Head Groundspeople, who he mentored and who went on to achieve great things within the industry. Indeed, there are many others, who didn’t have the good fortune of meeting Eddie in person, but who have been able to witness what is possible, through hard work, dedication and by a genuine willingness to help others. You can be sure that Eddie will be looking down on the great work that Neil Stubley and his team have continued to produce during his year’s Championships, proud that his legacy is being continued. Eddie. Thank you for all that you did for groundsmanship.