Portpatrick Dunskey Golf Club: Using Attraxor for the suppresion of Poa annua

A popular Scottish golf club has explained the key benefits of using Attraxor for the tillering and suppression of Poa annua.

Head Greenkeeper, Alan McWilliam, based at Portpatrick Dunskey Golf Club in southwest Scotland, explains that he has been using Attraxor for the past 12 months on golf greens.

Portpatrick Dunskey Golf Club was established in 1903 and boasts an 18-hole course and a 9-hole course, which are a mixture of rolling moorland and seaside heath, offering spectacular views of the Isle of Man, Mourne Mountains and Mull of Kintyre on clear days.

Alan discussed the main reasons he began using Attraxor at Portpatrick: “The main reason that I began using Attraxor was for the suppression of seed head growth. I had heard about its excellent results in suppressing Poa Annua and wanted to try it for myself. Any other results from using Attraxor were a bonus!”

Attraxor has been shown to effectively regulate growth of managed amenity turf. The active substance, Prohexadione-calcium, inhibits the gibberellic acid pathway, which results in a reduction of turf height and turf biomass. Root growth is also promoted through the use of Attraxor while turf colour and quality are maintained.

Alan confirmed: “Once applied I was really impressed with the reduction of turf growth. It has made management of the course so much easier, reducing the amount of maintenance required.”

Attraxor also limits the spread of annual meadow grass, Poa annua, by reducing seed-head production and physiological weakening, Alan’s original reason for introducing it into his maintenance regime. Alan states: “I have seen a significant reduction in annual meadow grass seedheads over the last twelve months, using Attraxor at regular intervals from February right through until October.”

Alan also noticed that there had also been a significant improvement in grass quality: “The quality of our grass has improved greatly since using Attraxor, with better surface refinement resulting in faster greens and improving play.”

“I will certainly continue using Attraxor next year. It has been a game changer for me and has made a huge difference to my greens. I have also noticed a reduction in fuel costs saving me money, making this method of turf management both cost effective and more efficient.”

To find out more about Attraxor, visit https://www.pestcontrol.basf.co.uk/en/Products/Overview/Growth-Regulator/Attraxor.html#section-benefits