Using Attraxor for regulating turf growth and controlling Poa annua seedheads

A popular Scottish golf club based in Galston has described why they began using Attraxor and how it has helped with the suppression of Poa annua and an increase in turf quality on their greens.

Course manager, Ronnie Montgomery, based at Loudoun Gowf Club in Galston explains that he has been using Attraxor for the past year’s months on golf greens.

Established in 1909, Loudoun Gowf Club came into being following the demise of Galston Golf Club. Various changes have been made to the course since then, but it remains a modest layout, extending to just over 6,000 yards.

Ronnie, who has been actively using Attraxor now for the past year, discussed why he has been impressed so far with Attraxor at Loudoun Gowf Club: “My main reason for using Attraxor is for controlling Poa seed heads and also for regulating growth as we have very dense growth during the summer months, even on areas that don’t receive any fertiliser!”

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 use of Attraxor whilst turf colour and quality are enhanced.

Ronnie confirmed: “We have noticed a better playing surface. Turf density has improved along with it being easier to maintain consistent greens speeds. We have also noticed this year a reduction in Fusarium. We are not sure if this is connected to the product or not, but we did expect more outbreaks with the recent weather pattern.”

Scientific research has shown that regular applications of Attraxor cause the thickening of plant cell walls and epidermis. Such outcome is better known as the “Apogee effect” of Attraxor. As a result, it’s been reported in field trials a considerable reduction of diseases such as Microdochium patch and Dollar spot on greens.

Attraxor also limits the spread of annual meadow grass, Poa annua, by reducing seed-head production and physiological weakening, Ronnie’s original reason for introducing it into his maintenance regime: “We have seen a huge reduction in Poa seed heads.”

By regulating longitudinal turf growth, Attraxor helps lessen the frequency of mowing and clipping volumes, “We have noticed lower maintenance levels. The main one being mowing. It allows us to alternate mowing days with rolling the greens a little more.”

Ronnie concluded that the turf quality has improved considerably on their greens.

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