What's New

October 2002

	pH Buffer for Perfect Spray Results Barmac Industries P-L has just released a new water quality product - Indicate 5 - for use with spray water. Wayne Sear, a qualified industrial chemist and manager of Barmac Industries, told Golf and Sports Turf recently that achieving the right water pH level is vital when spraying. This is because many chemicals applied as a spray are most effective when mixed with slightly acidic water. Indicate 5 shows instantly when the right pH levels have been achieved in the tank, and therefore maximises the strength and effectiveness of the chemical being sprayed. "The ideal pH for a lot of pesticide and chemical products is a lot lower than the readily available water that most people use," said Sear. "Some products are subject to a chemical process called alkaline hydrolysis, which means they become unstable in alkaline water. There are a wide range of commonly used turf products that start breaking down within minutes of mixing them in the spray tank. In some cases more than half of the chemical product may have broken down before the application job is finished. While the most common ideal pH for a spray solution is 4.5 to 5.5, most town water is well above 7 and in some cases may be around 8.5 - 9.0". As the product contains a patented indicator dye, it immediately changes colour once the desired pH is reached. When the pH of the water is above 7 the solution is clear. For more information contact Barmac Industries on (07) 3255 6000.
	Fytogreen For Lush Turf If constantly thirsty, poor-quality turf is giving you nightmares, an innovative product developed in the Netherlands might be your Òdream come trueÓ. Fytogreen Australia, a subsidiary of its Dutch parent, started in February this year and is already turning heads with its feature product Fytofoam. Fytofoam is an inert aminoplast resin that is applied to turf areas in the form of a 2Ð3cm layer of foam. The process is most efficient when instituted during pitch or fairway construction before turf is laid; however the foam can also be rotovated into existing turf cover. Once the foam has set, it is worked into the soil substrate via scarification to provide the perfect rootzone environment. Fytofoam has a great water absorption capacity, retaining about 60% water by volume for healthy root development. The water-holding capabilities of the foam last for years and greatly enhance irrigation efficiency. In addition, the slow release of retained water and nutrients provide an even and stable platform for lush and rich turf. Finer rooting is another beneficial side-effect of Fytofoam applications. The foam has been laid successfully at White Hart Lane, home of the English soccer club Tottenham Hotspurs, and at Croke Park in Dublin. It has also been well received in dry areas of Portugal, Spain and Italy, as well as most northern European countries. There are currently 25 trial sites under analysis in Melbourne. For more information, call Geoff Heard at Fytogreen Australia on (03) 9787 7656.
	Penn G-6 is Here J.H. Williams & Sons (Dist.) of Murwillumbah, NSW, is pleased to announce that it is the exclusive distributor in Australia and New Zealand of Penn G-6 Ñ a new improved variety of creeping bentgrass from America. Penn G-6 was selected from climates in the Southern US where it is hot and humid. Its fine texture, density and upright growth habit provide a near-perfect playing surface. Penn G-6 has been ranked on the top 3 out of 25 bentgrass varieties tested on fairways and tees at 21 locations throughout the US and Canada in NTEP evaluations (NTEP No. 01-3). It has also surpassed its competition in on-site testing for putting greens (NTEP No. 00-8). Penn G-6 creeping bentgrass has excellent disease resistance. It demonstrates a high level of Brown Patch resistance, moderate Dollar Spot and Copper Spot tolerance, good Leaf Spot resistance and moderate Fusarium Patch resistance. Due to this resistance, it has low fungicide requirements. Penn G-6 is recommended for golf course fairways, tees and greens. Penn G-6 seed is now available in Australia. For further information and pricing contact the J.H. Williams (Dist.) Seed Division on (02) 6672-1313 or send an email to seed@jhwilliams.com.au.

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