Turf clippings spring 2015 v1

Welcome to the spring edition of Turf Clippings for 2015. Since our last edition we have been extremely busy over winter attending numerous conferences throughout the country, hosting delegates at our Kimihia Research Facility and also gearing up for a busy season ahead given the warmer start to spring this year.

Since our autumn issue we have witnessed another great international sporting event on our shores, this time the FIFA U20 Football World Cup. It was great to see the future world stars of the game up close and also the level of standard our turf managers produced for them during the tournament. Congratulations to all those involved, it was great to see another event broadcast right the way round the world showcasing the talent of turf management in our country.

Our busy period has been compounded by the multitude of conferences that occur over the winter, including the New Zealand Race Managers Association Conference in Invercargill, the North Island Fine Turf Seminar in Wellington, the Holiday Parks Conference in Auckland, the Australian Turfgrass Managers Conference, the Green Pavlova Conference in Auckland and also the South Island Bowls Conference recently held in Blenheim. Every one of these conferences involve an enormous amount of organisation and our decision to support them fully with sponsorship and good staff attendance is a further sign of our commitment to the New Zealand Turf Industry. The opportunity to attend these conferences provides the chance for our team to increase their technical abilities and also interact with a wide range of customers we service in the markets we cover.

I was reading a story a few months ago that said we can expect a drier year than average. The dry period has continued over winter for many parts of the country, so we should prepare accordingly. Take advantage of some down time to monitor your soil moisture levels in early spring and utilise a good wetting agent

programme to make efficient use of your water. It is also a good time of the year to undertake your soil testing so you can put a nutrient plan in place. Unsurprisingly, along with the drier weather comes more sun, and warmer temperatures than average, so don’t forget to slip slop slap and wrap this summer!

Early seed harvest reports out of the USA show significant yield drops due to the very dry summer. Soil moisture at various sites are as low as 0% at a depth of only 40cm. Add into the equation heavy late rust pressure and a higher than normal Poa annua count, expected yields are down approximately 30% for perennial ryegrass and approximately 20-25% for both fine fescue and tall fescue. The impact of this will likely result in higher prices for new crop coming into the country.

In this issue we look at some FIFA U20 fields, showcase the recent NZGCSA Environmental award winner, see our Nutritional program in action and also spend a ‘day in the life’ at Millbrook Golf Club.

Finally, this little bit of advice from Louis Pasteur, ‘Fortune favours the prepared mind’. Take stock and enjoy the spring and summer seasons ahead.

Jason Weller Sales and Marketing Manager

WELCOME TO THE SPRING EDITIONINSIDE THIS ISSUE FIFA U20 World Cup 2 - 3

NZGCSA Environmental Award 4

Turf Team staff updates 5

Super Rugby results 5

A day in the life 6 - 7

New rules for OPC insecticides 7

Nutrition plan 8

Faces of Turf 9

Walmsleys Word 10 - 11

Nigel Lloyd 12

SPRING 2015

Turf Clippings

Contact [email protected] or visit our website pggwrightsonturf.co.nz

2 TURF CLIPPINGS SPRING 2015

Earlier this year the worlds footballing eyes were firmly focused on New Zealand as the rugby mad nation hosted one of the biggest football events on the footballing calendar. The FIFA U20 World Cup tournament was to be hosted throughout the country, where each selected province was set the challenge of providing both training and match day venues. In this article we focus on two very different facilities, and the challenges they faced.

RECREATIONAL SERVICES WHANGAREIAs soon as Anita, Ross, and all the team from Recreational Services Turf Division Whangarei had received confirmation that Whangarei had been chosen to host training and full match playing facilities for the tournament, immediate planning was put into place. The venues to host the teams were the Northland Events Stadium for all group stage games, and Spring Flats and K11 to host all training facilities.

All of the turf surfaces at these venues were the warm season variety couch. It was decided by all parties involved, including the FIFA contingent that the best way forward would be to transition the fields with a cool season variety to help with both aesthetics and playability. Duraturf Sportsoval, the New Zealand bred blend of three premium winter active perennial ryegrass cultivars, was chosen as it has been successfully used in these situations before, because of its rapid germination, fantastic winter growth, and superior recovery from wear.

Due to the facilities being extensively used by local teams, and for public events, timing of the transition from a warm season to cool season surface was critical. Due to an extended warm wet end to summer, the couch was still flourishing and growing well. It was decided to apply the growth regulator Primo EC® at 1ltr per h/a to slow down the growth of the couch, and help give the young ryegrass plants a chance to establish without excessive competition from

the couch. Ross decided to disc drill the seed in at 300kg per h/a into the couch, but not too deep as to damage the couch stolon’s, as they were going into dormancy.

After seven days there were good signs of germination of the Duraturf Sports Oval at all the facilities, and after 12 days a healthy sward was beginning to form. Exactly on the 14 day mark, an application of Anderson’s 20.4.20 controlled release fertiliser was applied at 250kg per h/a to push on the growth and help the plant cope with the continued mowing regime.

Five weeks after sowing the Duraturf Sports Oval, and a week before the teams were to arrive, all the fields had achieved a full dense sward. All involved were very pleased, and the feedback from the FIFA officials, after they had carried out the very rigorous field testing process, was very complimentary.

FIFA UNDER 20 WORLD CUP

Duraturf Sports Oval 14 days after sowing at the Northland Events Centre K11 Training Field – five weeks after transition

Contact [email protected] or visit our website pggwrightsonturf.co.nz 3

FIFA UNDER 20 WORLD CUP

To finish off the maintenance programme a foliar application of Emerald Isle True Foliar N + C.P.R + Mg+Mn was applied. This gave the surfaces a fantastic appearance and also helped with the rigors of the heavy schedule which they would have to cope with.

Ross Hart, Turf Manager said that “It was a fantastic event to be involved in and it gives you a real buzz to be part of a worldwide tournament knowing that millions of eyes will be watching the games. It came with many demands and requests from all the organising committees and the FIFA delegates. But with a programed approach, and a great team to work with, and advice from people such as Dr Phil Ford, everything worked out fantastic and the fields were exceptional.”

“To hear the feedback at the end of the tournament of the players and officials from many countries made the hard work worthwhile; roll on the next one!!!”

KRISTIN SCHOOLWe spoke to Craig Owen Head Groundsman at Kristin School on Aucklands North Shore about the preparation of his ground as one of the training venues for the FIFA under 20 World Cup.

What have the challenges been in this project?

“Dealing with the demands of the organising committee and managing my time with the FIFA event and the day to day up keep of the school facilities.”

What has been the best thing about this project?

“Being involved in such a huge event and the buzz and excitement that comes with hosting international sport teams.”

What is the process you used to get to this point?

“The process was started six months before the event. We carried out soil tests, and when the results came back we came up with a nutrition

programme to amend any deficiencies and make sure the fields played to their full potential.”

How has this improved your grounds?

“This has given us a real insight on how to present a top performing surface and how to manage certain inputs that can improve the field. These can now hopefully be used in the current maintenance programme we have.”

“Even with its challenges this has been a great event to be involved in. All the positive feedback we received from the international teams and delegates was great for team moral and a reward for all the extra effort the guys put in”

Craig Owen and his team at Kristin SchoolNorthland Events Centre – one day before the big kick off!


NZGCSA ENVIRONMENTAL AWARD WINNER

The NZGCSA and PGG Wrightson Turf are delighted to announce that the winners of the 2015 NZGCSA Environmental Award, supported by PGG Wrightson Turf, are Kauri Cliffs Golf Club and Course Manager, Andy Wood.

The Judges deemed Kauri Cliffs to be the clear winner and were impressed with the detailed application, the quality of the supporting evidence, and what they saw during the judging visit. Kauri Cliffs has been around for 15 years now and the positive environmental improvements they have made are testament to the long term commitment of owner Julian Robertson, and the staff led by Andy Wood and his assistant Andrew Moyle who have been there since the start. One thing that stood out for the judges was the ‘buy-in’ of staff and the genuine pride they have taken in greatly improving the landscape and natural environment, and reducing the environmental footprint of the golf course as time has moved on.

The close association Kauri Cliffs has with its local community and its willingness to engage with local authorities and groups on environmental issues is extremely commendable and sets an example for other environmentally ambitious golf clubs to follow. Kauri Cliffs has clear evidence of good relationships and initiatives with the Department of Conservation, QEII National Trust, NZ Kiwi Foundation, the Northland Regional Council, the Far North Forestry Association, Matauri Bay School, Matauri Bay Trust, and NorthTec. That makes it a genuine leader in advancing the reputation of golf courses as potential environmental leaders.

Strong turf management practices that have led to significant reductions in water, agrichemical and fertiliser use are in evidence. Given the Northland climate and grass varieties maintained, Kauri Cliffs nutrient usage is low. In the last five

years nitrogen use has fallen by 45%, phosphorus by 75%, and potassium by 80%, which has also reduced the energy required to maintain the property. Other energy savings include more efficient irrigation pumps, energy efficient light bulbs and timers, and naturalised areas.

Kauri Cliffs waste recycling programme is extensive. In addition to recycling plastics, cardboard, glass and metal; food scraps are fed to on-site pigs and chickens, and fallen trees are recycled in to garden mulch and firewood for use at their Lodge. Even the waste oil from the deep fryers in the kitchen is being turned into biofuel by an enterprising staff member!

Kauri Cliffs has planted over 100,000 native trees on the property to replenish and regenerate forest areas and has created substantial native bush corridors which act as pathways and sanctuaries for native birdlife. To protect the flourishing birdlife major pest control measures are in place. The numbers have been recorded for many years and more than 18,000 possums have been despatched, along with pigs, cats, stoats, rats, rabbits, goats and dogs. Foot baths are in place to help prevent Kauri dieback, and there are on-going plans to extend what they are doing to other areas on and around the property.

Kauri Cliffs clearly has a resource advantage over many golf courses in New Zealand that some would argue makes taking environmental initiatives easier. However, their commitment financially, and the genuine beliefs of the owner and staff, extend well beyond token gestures. It was the intent, pride in what they had done, future plans and desire to go further, and outstanding links with their community and outside agencies that swayed the judges. Even if smaller golf clubs take those key lessons from the Kauri Cliffs approach, the positive contributions they could make to their own environments would be substantial.

It was one of those smaller golf clubs, Ashburton Golf Club and Superintendent Grant Saunders, who were the other finalist in the Environmental Award, receiving a judge’s visit as a result of a comprehensive application document. Ashburton Golf Club can be commended for their water efficient, low nutrient and Browntop dominant approach to golf course management. Having a light environmental footprint in an area increasingly dominated by intensive dairy farming sets an example for those that surround them.

The NZGCSA would like to thank the applicants, judges, and PGG Wrightson Turf for their ongoing support of this award.

Jason Weller PGG Wrightson Turf NZ Sales and Marketing Manager alongside Martin Burger from the NZGCSA presenting Andy Wood from Kauri Cliffs with his award.


Well done to the following teams who took out the super rugby picks competition organised by two of our Turf Managers, Grant Bunting and

Matt Kidby. Westpac Stadium took out first place, followed by One Square Rate in second and Waitikiri Golf Course in third place. It certainly

was a close competition this year, thanks to everyone who gave it their best shot!

THE TURF TEAM STAFF UPDATES

PGG WRIGHTSON TURF SUPER RUGBY COMPETITION - RESULTS

MOHAMMED SHAFIL, STOREMAN AUCKLAND WAREHOUSE

• Describe yourself in three words. Punctual, reliable, honest

• Hobbies. Movies, driving cars, playing soccer.

• What is your favourite food? Chicken fried rice.

• What do you like to do on the weekends? Shopping and watching movies.

• How long have you been in the turf industry and where have you worked prior to PGG Wrightson Turf? Previously two years with PGG Wrightson Turf as a temp.

• Career highlight so far? Starting work for PGG Wrightson Turf.

• What do you enjoy about working for PGG Wrightson Turf? Learning about new products.

• What PGG Wrightson turf product appeals to you the most and why? The seed range, so much variety.

• What is your most memorable moment with the turf team so far? Watching rugby at Eden Park.

• What is your favourite NZ sports venue? Eden Park.

• What sports have you played? Soccer.

• What’s your favourite sports team that you follow? Tottenham United.

• Last words? I am proud to be a PGG Wrightson Turf staff member and I love my work.

REBECCA BROOKS, CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

• Describe yourself in three words. Enthusiastic, passionate, easy going.

• Hobbies. Cycling, watching sports, triathlon.

• What is your favourite food? Roast lamb, pork, beef and thai food.

• What do you like to do on the weekends? Training, cycling, hanging out with my family and friends.

• How long have you been in the turf industry and where have you worked prior to PGG Wrightson Turf? I’ve only just started in turf. Previously Barkers distribution warehouse.

• Career highlight so far? Getting a job with PGG Wrightson Turf.

• What do you enjoy about working for PGG Wrightson Turf? Great team of people, exciting products and great end results.

• What PGG Wrightson turf product appeals to you the most and why? Duraturf seed blends – Sports Oval for its rapid recovery from wear.

• What is your most memorable moment with the turf team so far? In my second week learning about hydro mulch and visiting Hagley Oval.

• If you were stuck in traffic and your CD player was stuck on repeat what CD would you choose to be playing? Sam Smith.

• What is your favourite NZ sports venue? AMI stadium, Christchurch.

• What sports have you played? Women’s rugby, touch rugby, soccer, cycle racing and triathlons.

• What’s your favourite sports team that you follow? Crusaders and the All Blacks.

We have had a couple of new additions to the turf team. Rebecca Brooks joins us as Customer Services Representative based at Rolleston in Christchurch. Mohammed Shafil has been a temporary storeman for us in our Auckland warehouse for two years and now joins us as a permanent employee. Welcome on board Rebecca and Mohammed, it’s great to have you as part of the team!


A DAY IN THE LIFE – JAMES O’MALLEY COURSE SUPERINTENDENT MILLBROOK RESORT

Course Superintendent of the Millbrook Resort James O’Malley had a busy summer in co-hosting the NZ Open with the Hills Golf Course. This is the second time Millbrook and Jame’s team have hosted such an event. We had a chat about what went on and what was involved during a day at the Open.

Q: What challenges pre, during and post did the NZ Open provide you and your team?

A: We had an extremely busy two months of golfers leading up to the open which made it hard for us to get things perfect. It was also very busy immediately after the open for six weeks so getting recovery leading into winter was an issue. It also was hard to re-motivate the staff after the hype of the open had worn off.

Q: Can you name a couple of highlights of the week involving you and the team?

A: Just being involved, an exciting week with a great vibe around Millbrook and Arrowtown, a real party atmosphere. The boys get a real buzz out of the whole week. Being able to step back and relax and enjoy the last two days at the Hills is great. Obviously the morning BBQs provided by the PGG Wrightson turf team were a highlight for all the boys. Hard to pick a winning combo for best breakfast cooked; let’s just say that scrambled eggs are not always best.

Q: Is it possible to take us through your involvement of day one of hosting the NZ Open

DAY ONE 3am - not much sleep, get up and have a look outside for first weather check. Bit of breakfast, adrenalin starts to kick in.

4am - into work, unlock the workshop and start getting the mowers out and ready. Have a wander out to first green to check for frost/dew.

4:30am - team meeting, everyone knows what they are doing. All the hard work has been done in the weeks leading up to this day so just a matter of making sure they are all on the ball. 17 staff and 2 volunteers to worry about but everyone is pretty focused.

5-7am - Waiting for daylight! Stimp a few greens and happy with that so rake a few bunkers but the boys are flying into them. In constant contact with Lyndon my 2IC to make sure everything is going smoothly. A massive dew and a bit messy in places so send a few guys out with dew whips and blowers to tidy up a few areas. From up beside the Coronet 1 green I can see all the headlights going over at the Hills, looks quite impressive.

7-8am - Do a final check of the Coronet 9 once there is some light. Everything looking good and I’m starting to relax a little. Catch up with the PGA official to make sure they are happy. Watch a few golfers tee off and head in for breakfast.

8-9am - Champion breakfast thanks to the PGG Wrightson turf team. Good chance to give the boys a pat on the back and find out if there were any issues that morning.

9am-3pm - all the boys head home for a rest. Darren Hannay working a different shift so he can check all the mowers/ cutting units, so have a catch up with him and the mechanic. Chance to sit down and have a reflective cup of coffee by myself and take a breath. Make sure everything is organised for the afternoon and any changes needed for the morning and then get to watch a bit of golf.

3pm - boys all back in, a few have been watching the golf. Darren cooks an afternoon bbq before he heads home. Everyone still full from breakfast. We all sit out behind the first green waiting for last groups to play through. Stimp a couple of greens and decide to roll so set everyone up for the evenings work. Help with some divoting and just have a good look around to make sure nothing is drying out and that everything is in order. A lot of waiting around as we wait for last groups to finish.

9:30pm - everyone finished for the day, lock everything up and head home to bed ready to do it all again tomorrow. Thinking that I’m glad we’re only doing two days and not the whole tournament and that this time tomorrow I will be enjoying a cold beer somewhere.


A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A WORK COLLEAGUE TERRITORY MANAGER BEVAN HOUGHTON

Over the past three months Territory Manager Bevan Houghton has been doing a training course with other PGG Wrightson Seeds staff. Part of the course was to experience a day in the life of a PGG Wrightson colleague outside of your own business unit. Bevan tells us about his day at the Tuakau stock yards…

I initially spoke with my manager about what I was thinking of doing and finally spoke with the head of the Livestock division out of the Pukekohe Rural Store, Dave Brown.

In my head I was hoping that I could have a ride along and a cushy day in the car with one of his reps, head out on farm and talk cows/sheep/whatever they discuss. Mainly I was hoping for a sweet day sitting, being driven around. All that changed when Dave said “come on down to the Tuakau stock yards and help us sort cattle for the auctions next Tuesday, just bring some boots and some pants that you don’t mind getting dirty.”

Now I’m not going to say I was scared or anything like that, but for those like me that have only really seen a cow from your car as you drive along State Highway 1 they are a hell of a lot bigger in person when there is just a fence between you and a pen of 30+ animals. However I might have walked with a little less confidence after seeing them up close.

I headed into the yards and introduced myself to Dave and his team who I might add are a great bunch of guys. Dave introduced me as a member of the Seeds division, great they said and started to talk forage which was like another language to me. Finally I had to say “the Turf Division”. They looked at me like I had something strange growing out of my back. Finally Dave

said to me “come on let’s do the health and safety tour”. This consisted of “here’s a stick, this is how to open and close a gate, and (the number one rule) if you don’t want to get in the pen then don’t as these animals can kill you”. Right then I thought why didn’t you just call a Rural Store Manager and do a day in the shop!

I went into the pen and helped sort out a full truck and trailer unit of cows into groups of similar conditioned animals. The day finally started and after about 20 minutes of standing waving my stick… hitting cows to get them moving and sorting them into smaller groups we then sent them down the chute to head into the pens before the auction.

It was a fantastic experience sorting the cows and getting covered in cow dung. There were about 20 people sorting and herding the animals which is a very slick well run operation. Well beyond me on my first day.

This took around four hours and the auction started at 12noon. I thought there would have been more people watching what their animals sold for, but surprisingly they only came to watch the very well-conditioned animals that went into the auction first, once they got to the “boners” there were no sellers watching at all.

Some big money was spent by two or three men representing companies that have contracts to supply the meat works and abattoirs. Some of these animals were fetching up to $3-4K a beast.

All in all it was a fantastic day that I would do again. I’d like to thank Dave and his team for putting up with me and showing me what a small part of their job entails.

Would I change? I think not. I really enjoy what I do now interacting with the characters in the turf industry and helping people solve issues that they have, this is what I get a real buzz from.

Bevan Houghton at the Tuakau stock yards

NEW RULES FOR OPC INSECTICIDESThe Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has introduced stronger controls over organophosphate and carbamate (OPC) insecticides to manage the risk of exposure to people and the environment. They are effective as of 1 July 2015. Turf Managers need to ensure their venues comply with the new rules.

Organophosphates and carbamates (OPCs) are the active ingredients in some insecticides. They can be used to control a wide range of horticultural pests, but are toxic to people and the environment.

The approval for plant protection insecticides containing organophosphates or carbamates was recently modified under the hazardous substances

and new organisms legislation (HSNO). As a result of the reassessment, new rules took effect on 1 July 2015. As of this date, all turf venues are required to give written notice to anyone likely to be affected after spraying any one of recently reviewed OPC insecticides. This may include but is not limited to owners and occupiers of land, property or land that shares immediate boundaries with the turf venues. Notification must be given at least two working days prior to application but no more than four weeks in advance.

The main products that will affect the Turf industry include Diazinon, Carbaryl and Chlorpyrifos particulary around ‘restricted entry intervals (REI)’ or

the prohibition of people entering any areas where products have been applied for a certain amount of time. Due to the review significantly restricting the use another OPC, DuPont Crop Protection New Zealand have opted to no longer supply Vydate L (oxamyl) to the New Zealand market. For a full list of active ingredients that have been reassessed, please visit the Worksafe NZ website, www.business.govt.nz/worksafe (Using Insecticides Safely). Here you will find information about both the old and the new rules, and also guidance on protecting your health, the health of others and the environment.


PGG WRIGHTSON TURF NUTRITION PLAN CLARKS BEACH GOLF CLUB

At the beginning of last winter PGG Wrightson Turf Managers Bevan Houghton and Phil Gould set about creating a programme. The aim was to keep a live record of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (NPK) and be able to present it in a month by month, week by week guide for Fine Turf Managers to use at all locations. Bevan Houghton dug up some of his old records from his time as a Turf Manager and from these the programme started. Phil and Bevan then added soil and tissue testing to the programme so the end user now is able to sit down with the PGG Wrightson Turf Representative in their area and make a yearlong fertiliser or agrichemical programme specific for their location and climate. The end user will then receive a final printed programme which will include all applications, rates, time, and cost. It will also include a running tally of the NPK applications for the calendar year. For more information on the nutrition plan or having a programme drawn up for your turf situation, contact your local PGG Wrightson Turf Representative.

Steve Galvin from Clarks Beach Golf Club was one of the first to use the programme and nutrition plan. He has followed it precisely for a full year and is very happy with the results and the differences it has made to fertiliser and fungicide applications. Here is what he had to say.

What was the aim of using this programme?

The aim of using the nutrition plan was to give my greens a consistent application of fertiliser with the idea of trying to encourage the Browntop rather than the Poa annua. The programme was written and based around sulphate based fertiliser for the cooler months and a pharmaceutical grade foliar for the warmer months.

Have there been any challenges using the programme?

I have had no real challenges around using the programme it is very simple and easy to follow. The programme also helps you to maintain regular and well-timed spray applications for each month.

What has been the best thing about this programme?

I really enjoy the consistency of using one plan over a long period of time. It makes it easy to have a month by month guide of what is due to be applied, when it is due and the rates I should apply it at. I have also found it has increased the firmness of my greens through the winter period. The programme also reduces any massive flushes of growth on my greens and instead helps to keep the greens consistently healthy and disease free. It is a great fit for both me and Clarks Beach Golf Club.

What process did you go through prior to starting the programme?

Initially I spoke to my PGG Wrightson Turf Representative about having a programme drawn up so I could measure actual units nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium. We decided to do some soils tests around the course so we could see where to begin. Based on the results of the soil we were able to determine what levels we desired and what nutrients we needed to apply. From that stage the information from the soil test was put into the Nutrition Programme and a week by week Nutrition Plan for Clarks Beach Golf Club was drawn up. The aim of the programme was to encourage the Browntop and have healthy disease free greens.

How has this programme improved your golf course?

The greens have improved already and have regular applications with a solid baseline to consistently keep the greens at a high standard and encourage the Browntop. The greens also have the ability to become tournament ready within a few days. Meaning my members and guests to the golf course are very happy with what they play on.

Steve Galvin - “After having difficulties with the greens in the previous year, going with the nutrition plan has changed the way the greens perform and given me confidence I’m making the right decisions”


FACES OF TURFName

Hagen Faith

Job role and company

Turf Manager. Wellington Regional Stadium Trust

How long have you been in the turf industry? Where have you worked?

14 Years. Westpac Stadium, Basin Reserve, Otaki Racecourse, Levin Racecourse

What led you to work in the turf industry?

Horse Racing. My family have raced horses for years mainly thoroughbreds, my Grandfather was also a trainer. A position in the team at the local track came up and I was lucky enough to get the opportunity. During my time there the course manager taught me a great deal not only about racecourse management but also about fine turf and other key skills that are required in this industry, from there the turf bug took over.

A turf ground you would most like to visit?

After watching a Six Nations test between Ireland

and England, Croke Park is high on my list. To be honest the list is endless and there is no particular order not only does each code have its spiritual home but the turf industry is always developing and it’s always good to see the success of new ideas.

What’s your favourite turf ground?

Basin Reserve. It can be a brutal place at times but I have watched some pretty special events at this venue not only while I have worked here but also

as a young lad coming into support. There are also a lot of characters that pass through the venue each day that always bring a smile to the face. Flemmington Racecourse is also quite a special place.

Who’s your turf idol?

Harold Fulford. He was an absolute champion bloke, enough said!

Something interesting about you...

Outside of sport I’m right into the music scene. I’m an avid concert goer, anything rock to metal the heavier the better. Being in the middle of a mosh pit is an awesome experience especially when the sound of the band playing charges through you and everyone around is absolutely fizzing. From a bit of dumb luck I guess I have been able share a drink and talk a bit of nonsense with a few high profile international bands from the States and Europe as well as with a number of our own homegrown bands.

PGG WRIGHTSON TURF WORD FINDI M C Z J E F F S J G F B V C P I V C B A W V K R D L M T F D S A K A L E C W O O L P S U T V X U A M U W D K F I X Y E I U S C O U I P V Z A U P D B G U D U J W T A L Y V F L M G A K R R K N K E P B V P B Q L B G R Q T M J R Q S W M E B P Y G W A A E R E S X G I Q D X L A X S Q V R R H P I R N R C K J W G T N N S Z W G I E F J O W J O J P W E E L A Z I Y N P Z O Y O U Z Z X R V N E K T O T U J P C O T A L Z I Z E M O R W R E W R Z I E B S S U P A T U R F S J X D F N M N G Q P Q S C E C Q F H E N P R H F L J V R V A M E H T K C K R U K K W I B M R Q K F H A W C A M M T E A W K L E J J R E A C A J J B S X D O S G W V V L Y L K X T B V F F U V L V U S O M N T Y S P D X F S J V F A A Y W W Y U R X J Q N N I Q S Y X L V X V R O A X A K M E B J N H C H K J H T O O V L X N W T Z I M X S D H A A U L V E H M P W P U S Y P M I A P E H N D R U F U E F J N R N Q R R M E J F O A M O I I Y S T A F G D X W W K P J D E W M W A A E B U B D R R R X K F U T C K R F P S I P O W M F F F U S E T L Q W N R P Q E O Y A F I Q L P T A R I S E T W A N D E R S O N S E O T K D U R G S F W J O Q K J I D U H I A D G T S I J G Y M W B B G T X C Z I B Q V V R O I U Z R Q U Q X K E S Q P S N T E O S H O S B T T X R O O A W O O Q U Y O O M Q C O U C H O F N K R G G E A B D R T T X B Q W V U E L U O B J H L H T W I U S B L C W N P A Y O W K Q C J N W O D K C A M S C O A N W Q Z T S G W E C D R V X Y W G D Y D U S B N X R X D P C U X B G Y I R B R T M N U Y H K K N H H G R W Q J L S T S B T W L Y X F I Z A A I L A C U L O S G M A W J H C A R C T F Z Z X S C E F J G I S N Y R P E L E C A Z Q B J T V H K P T J V N O S Z Z T O O L Z N A X A M H Y O G F T Q S Z H V F G E I J H E I N N L S E E L G W D K A Y E A L C S R Z G B F P Y T C O M X M X H J W Q O N X O E S F E X X V A Q J R W D X G R X A V M I Q M K C

A C E L E P R Y NA N D E R S O N SA Q U A F O R C EA R E N AA R R O W T O W NA V A N E XC O L O S S E U MC O U C H

D U R A T U R FE M E R A L DE N D O P H Y T EF L E X T E R R AG O V E R N O R SI N S T R A T AI S L EM A C K E N Z I E

O A R SP R I M OP R O G A N I C SR E M E D I A T O RR Y E G R A S SS M A C K D O W NS O L U C A LS U P A T U R F


WALMSLEY’S WORD

A SUMMER ANNUAL GRASS HERBICIDE TRIAL

A range of pre and post emergence herbicides were evaluated at a bermudagrass turf farm on coastal sand at Waipu in spring 2014. The trial was carried out in collaboration with Will Bowden of Sports Surface Design and Management (SSDM) who

selected the site and heavily sowed it with summer grass seed the previous summer. Bermudagrass sprigs had been sown in late autumn but at the time of spraying in spring the ground cover was less than 10%. This allowed any effect on bermudagrass establishment by the herbicides to be readily assessed.

Herbicide treatments were applied using a single nozzle sprayer in strips 0.5m wide and 8m long. The pre emergence herbicide trial was applied using two replicates but there was only room for a second replicate of three post emergence herbicides.

The timing of herbicide applications was made according to observation of summer grass germination, which was earlier than elsewhere at this warm coastal location. Pre emergence applications were made on 1 October and post emergence applications were made on 16 October. The pre emergence trial was assessed for 11 weeks and the post emergence trial for 9 weeks after treatment (WAT).

Both bermudagrass Cynodon dactylon and summer grass Digitaria sanguinalis were scored on the following scale:

Score Interpretation

1 Complete death

2 Mostly dead, some surviving

3 Severely thinned

4 Slightly thinned

5 Severe discolouration

6 Slight discolouration

7 Growth check

8 Slight growth check

9 No effect

PRE EMERGENCE TRIAL Active ingredient 2WAT 4WAT 7WAT 11WAT Mean

Product A Product A Product A ------ ----- -----

Dimethenamid Tower Frontier-P 63.90% 32oz/acre 2.240

Sulfentrazone Dismiss Authority 39.60% 12oz/acre 0.840

Mesotrione Tenacity Callisto 40% 5oz/acre 0.350

Pendimethalin Pendulum Stomp Xtra 37.40% 7.2pints/acre 4.201

Oxadiazon Ronstar Oracle 34.10% 2.8floz/1000sq.ft 8.410

Oxadiazon Ronstar Oracle 34.10% 1.85floz/1000sq.ft

5.644

Dimethenamid + Pendimethalin Tower + Pendulum

Frontier-P + Stomp Xtra

63.9% + 37.4% 32oz +7.2pint/acre

2.240 +4.201

Product B + Pendimethalin Product B + Pendulum

Product B + Stomp Xtra

----- ------- ------

Oryzalin Surflan Cameo 40% 2 quarts/acre 4.672

Most active ingredients are labeled for summer annual grass weed control in the USA. The metric application rate assumes the same concentration of active ingredient in both countries.

Pre emergence trial results

Effect of pre emergence herbicides on bermudagrass.

Damage scores for the most affected replicate in the trial 2, 4, 7 and 11 weeks after treatment (WAT).

Active ingredient 2WAT 4WAT 7WAT 11WAT Mean

Pendimethalin 9 9 9 9 9.0

Product A 9 9 9 8 8.9

Oryzalin 9 8 9 9 8.9

Sulfentrazone 9 8 9 9 8.8

Dimethenamid 9 9 7 7 8.1

Mesotrione 5 9 8 8 8.1

Product B + Pendimethalin 6 8 7 7 7.9

Dimethenamid + Pendimethalin 6 6 7 7 7.4

Oxadiazon 8.4L/ha 5 4 4 4 6.4

Oxadiazon 5.6L/ha 5 4 7 7 6.1

Both rates of oxadiazon caused discolouration and then thinning of bermudagrass. Both mixtures containing pendimethalin caused discolouration followed by a growth check for at least 11 weeks. Mesotrione caused temporary but severe discoloration for at least two weeks, but no lasting effect. Dimethenamid checked growth from 7 to 11 weeks.

Pre emergence control of summer grass scored 2, 4, 7 and 11 WAT.


Mesotrione 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5

Dimethenamid + Pendimethalin 2 2 2 3 1.9

Oxadiazon 8.4L/Ha 1 2 2.5 2.5 2.0

Product B + Pendimethalin 2 1.5 1.5 3 2.0

Product A 4.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 2.3

Dimethenamid 2.5 2 2 2.5 2.3

Oxadiazon 5.6L/Ha 3 2 3 5.5 3.4

Sulfentrazone 4.5 3 5 5.5 4.5

Oryzalin 8.5 5.5 6.5 5.5 6.5

Pendimethalin 8.5 7.5 7 9 8.0

control 9 9 9 8 8.9

The top six products listed above gave good control of summer grass. The others did not give satisfactory control.

Bill WalmsleyTurf Agronomist

PGG Wrightson Turf


WALMSLEY’S WORD

POST EMERGENCE TRIALSeven active ingredients were evaluated for effectiveness at controlling summer grass as a seedling, before tillering.


Product C Product C Product C ------ ------ ------

Product A Product A Product A ----- ------ -----

Mesotrione Tenacity Callisto 40% 5oz/acre 0.350

Fenoxaprop-P Acclaim Extra Puma-S 6.59% 20oz/acre 1.400

Product B Product B Product B ----- ------ -----

Sulfentrazone Dismiss Authority 39.60% 12 floz/acre 0.840

Dimethenamid Tower Frontier-P 63.90% 32oz/acre 2.240

Post emergence trial results

Effect of post emergence herbicides on bermudagrass, scored 2, 5, and 9 WAT.

Active ingredient Mean

Sulfentrazone 9.0

Product C 8.8

Dimethenamid 8.7

Product B 8.5

Product A 8.2

Mesotrione 7.3

Fenoxaprop-P 4.0

control 9.0

The top five products listed above did not affect bermudagrass. Mesotrione had the same initial discolouration in both the pre and post emergence trials, followed by recovery and no lasting effect. Fenoxaprop-P caused thinning to the bermudagrass.

Post emergence control of seedling summer grass, scored 2, 5, and 9 WAT.

Active ingredient Mean

Mesotrione 1.3

Fenoxaprop-P 1.3

Product C 2.0

Product A 2.2

Product B 3.7

Dimethenamid 4.7

Sulfentrazone 6.0

control 9.0

Four products gave effective control of summer grass post emergence as a seedling before tillering.

Pre emergence herbicide results summary

GOOD CONTROL OF SUMMER GRASS PRE EMERGENCE WITHOUT MUCH GROWTH CHECK OR DISCOLOURATION.

Active NZ Metric l/ha

Product A Product A -----

Dimethenamid Frontier-P 2.240

GOOD CONTROL OF SUMMER GRASS PRE EMERGENCE BUT WITH SHORT TERM DISCOLOURATION.


Mesotrione Callisto 0.350

Dimethenamid + Pendimethalin

Frontier-P + Stomp Xtra

2.240 +4.200

Poduct B + Pendimethalin

Product B + Stomp Xtra

------- + 4.200

CONTROL OF SUMMER GRASS PRE EMERGENCE BUT THINNING OF ESTABLISHING BERMUDAGRASS.


Oxadiazon Oracle 8.410

NOT SATISFACTORY CONTROL OF SUMMER GRASS PRE EMERGENCE.

Sulfentrazone, oxadiazon 5.64 L/ha (thinning of bermudagrass).

LITTLE EFFECT ON SUMMER GRASS PRE EMERGENCE.

Oryzalin, Pendimethalin

Post emergence herbicide results summary

GOOD CONTROL OF SEEDLING SUMMER GRASS POST EMERGENCE WITHOUT MUCH DISCOLOURATION OR GROWTH CHECK.


Product C Product C --------

Product A Product A ---------

GOOD CONTROL OF SEEDLING SUMMER GRASS POST EMERGENCE WITH TEMPORARY DISCOLOURATION.


Mesotrione Callisto 0.350

GOOD CONTROL OF SEEDLING SUMMER GRASS POST EMERGENCE BUT THINNING OF ESTABLISHING BERMUDAGRASS.


Fenoxaprop-P Puma-S 1.400

PARTIAL CONTROL OF SUMMER GRASS POST EMERGENCE.

Product B

Dimethenamid

LITTLE EFFECT ON SUMMER GRASS POST EMERGENCE.

Sulfentrazone.

CONCLUSIONCare should be taken in interpreting the results since there were only two pre emergence replicates and just one post emergence replicate. The trial is still valuable since products causing harm or lacking effectiveness can be flagged. The pre emergence trial ran for only 11 weeks so the longevity of control was not assessed. With herbicide trials, the results of several trials are needed to fully confirm safety and effectiveness.

The turf label of herbicides contains important information and warnings. Users are reminded to read the label and follow label instructions.

DISCUSSIONPGG Wrightson Turf is active in bringing new turf labeled products to the market. In this trial we have evaluated three potential new products in comparison to a range of existing herbicides for summer grass control. We carried out the test in establishing bermudagrass from stolons. Most labels state that turf needs to be well established. Summer grass control is often needed in establishing bermudagrass.

This trial provides worthwhile information on the safety and effectiveness of herbicides on summer annual grass weeds in establishing bermudagrass stolons. The choice of product will depend on individual circumstances such as acceptance of discolouration and degree of establishment of the bermudagrass.

Thanks to Will Bowden from SSDM who prepared the trial site for spraying, maintained the site and scored the trial, and Blair Dibley who applied the herbicide treatments.

12 TURF CLIPPINGS AUTUMN 2015

© PGG Wrightson Seeds 2015. This information has been checked for accuracy and published in good faith. However PGG Wrightson Seeds accepts no responsibility expressed or implied for misuse of information in this publication. This information is not to be reproduced without the expressed written permission of PGG Wrightson Seeds.

PGG Wrightson Turf Stores and staff contacts

CHRISTCHURCH 03 372 8719 AUCKLAND 09 570 2570 PALMERSTON NORTH 027 487 4002 pggwrightsonturf.co.nz

NZ Sales and MarketingJason Weller027 596 3974

North Auckland/NorthlandBrian Griffiths027 430 2992

Greater AucklandBevan Houghton027 344 6439

Greater AucklandPhil Gould027 477 0096

Central North Island/Bay of Plenty/Waikato/CoromandelJulian Holden - 027 289 2244

South Waikato/TaranakiKaren Crake027 430 2995

Lower North Island/Wellington/Hawke’s BayMatt Kidby 027 487 4002

Upper South Island/ Christchurch/West Coast Brandon Parker 027 801 0034

Otago/SouthlandJoe Johnson027 596 3565

Christchurch/Central OtagoGrant Bunting027 704 7520

InternationalMark Shaw - 027 499 8327

NIGEL LLOYD

Nigel Lloyd, one of New Zealand’s longest serving Turf Managers has decided to retire and enjoy the quiet life. Nigel has been a great influence and servant to our industry throughout New Zealand and overseas. PGG Wrightson Turf has always respected Nigel’s views on turf management and many in the industry have learnt a lot from him as he was always willing to share his knowledge and experience. Territory manager Matt Kidby caught up with Nigel to reflect on the past 46 years.

What have been the challenges over the last 46 years?

Back when I started golf was considered a winter sport and now it’s played all year around. So I

would say having to keep and prepare a quality putting surface all year around in the extreme environments of Taranaki and Taupo has been my biggest challenge.

What has been the best thing about the turf industry?

The people and open collaboration between all factions of the turf industry. Plus it’s variations, no one day was the same. One day you’re a superintendent/green keeper the next moment a plumber, then a mechanic. This has what has made my 46 years go so quickly but kept it so enjoyable.

How do you explain your success in the turf industry?

A lot of really hard work! I’ve had the support and understanding of my good wife and family. Looking back they put up with a lot at times and I’m so grateful for that.

What are you going to miss?

The industry as a whole. I have met some great people within the turf industry, both within NZ and overseas, of whom I plan to keep in contact with. I’m also going to miss the managed ownership of the course from maintaining it to the development

of what is essentially a fantastic piece of natural topography.

Highlight of your 46 years?

The biggest is being part of the team seeing the association develop the educating of the next generation of turf managers. Plus changing the name which enabled us to be recognised as a trade with the science skills needed for what has now become a complex occupation.

Raising the standard and the development of Wairakei to become one of the best golf courses in New Zealand.

The free hand I’ve had to interpret the Wairakei landscaping such as new lakes and bridges, as well as the construction/setting up of the pest proof sanctuary and native plantings which will remain and be a feature in years to come at Wairakei.

PGG Wrightson Turf would like to thank Nigel for his contribution to the turf industry and wish him and his family all the best for the future.

PGG WRIGHTSON TURF AWARD WINNERS

PGG Wrightson Turf New Zealand and Australia recently celebrated its staff and their achievements at their annual conference. Pictured here are the award winners, well done to everyone!

Turf clippings spring 2015 v1

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