Bayer’s latest new fungicide to be launched in Ireland introduces a radical preventative approach to disease management, offering a new active ingredient and new chemical group to the turf industry.
Greg Collins, Bayer’s national account manager for Ireland, says Signature® Xtra Stressgard® is Bayer’s most advanced turf formulation to date and has been scientifically proven to maintain overall plant health, providing consistency of playing surfaces and increasing golfer satisfaction.
“This new active ingredient fosetyl-Al combined with Stressgard® Formulation Technology has been engineered to optimise the product’s performance and to tackle two of the most prevalent golf course diseases, Microdochium Patch and Anthracnose.”
Signature® Xtra Stressgard® is the first true systemic fungicide to offer shoot to root protection.
“This fully systemic solution allows the fungicide to move up the plant’s xylem, and also down into the phloem. The unique properties of Signature® Xtra mean the whole plant is protected, as redistribution occurs up and down the plant as it grows. This means plants are healthier and better equipped to combat disease and mitigate stress.
“What’s more, with over 20 years’ research behind it, Stressgard® not only tackles disease, it also helps manage the stresses caused by abiotic and biotic activity by maximising the health of the grass plant,” explains Greg.
“Combining the active ingredient with Stressgard®, Signature® Xtra improves plant physiology by increasing plant cell strength and root mass, it also enhances plant production rates by increasing chlorophyll which boosts photosynthesis,” he adds.
Every greenkeeper strives for a more consistent playing surface – even in unpredictable conditions. Drought, traffic tolerance and recovery, as well as issues caused by shade, are key challenges that Bayer has addressed with this new formulation.
“The proven proprietary Stressgard® pigment delivers immediate aesthetic improvement and consistent, natural colour across treated areas of your golf course. In the longer term, once the initial pigment effects wear off, the enhanced chlorophyll content continues to provide longer-lasting green-up. This means a greener, healthier golf course that’s able to withstand the unpredictable tests of the Irish climate.
“Our primary objective is to provide solutions that deliver satisfaction – for turf managers and golfers. Course conditions are the most important driver of satisfaction and this latest product undoubtedly improves turf quality and playability,” concludes Greg.
Signature® Xtra Stressgard® has been authorised for use in Ireland and is available now.
