Late last year the USGA released further details of its “GS3 ball” – in short a golf sized ball stuffed full of senators to measure turf performance.
Things we’ve been doing in the turf industry for a while (like stimp for speed, and firmness) are included, but excitingly also measuring smoothness, something that has long been important but tough to measure objectively.
We’ve talked a lot in the blog about how data will impact turf management in the future, and this feels a prime example which I believe will have ripples for years to come.
With smoothness & trueness in mind, what better time to think about primo plans for this season?
What is Primo Maxx II?
Primo Maxx II – turf growth regulator, specifically formulated for professional turf managers.
When to start?
Lots of moving parts to answer this one, see this blog to give some builds…
How Does It Work?
Primo Maxx II operates by:
- Temporarily blocking gibberellic acid production in the plant
- Limiting cell elongation and vertical growth
- Redirecting plant energy to root and lateral growth
Key Benefits
- Reduced Mowing: Up to 35% less frequent mowing required
- Improved Turf Quality:
- Denser, healthier turf
- Enhanced wear and stress tolerance
- Better drought resistance
- Consistent Playing Surfaces: Reduced variability between grass cultivars and throughout the day
- Shade Tolerance: Helps turf thrive in low-light conditions
- Cost Efficiency: Lower fuel, labour, and machinery maintenance costs
Don’t be a rebound
I did a blog last year on the potential of the rebound effect, worth learning more if you are not already aware. Read the blog here.
Application Areas
Primo Maxx II is versatile, suitable for:
- Golf course greens, tees, and fairways
- Sports fields
- Bowling greens
- Tennis courts
- Well-maintained parks and lawns
The Science Behind It
Biochemically, Primo Maxx II works by:
- Being absorbed through the grass foliage
- Translocating to the growing points
- Inhibiting gibberellic acid production
- Shortening the distance between shoot nodes
- Promoting compact, lateral growth
Conclusion
Primo Maxx II is a game-changer in turf management, offering a range of benefits from improved turf quality to significant operational efficiencies. For turf professionals seeking to elevate their turf management practices, Primo Maxx II presents a powerful tool in creating and maintaining superior playing surfaces.
GDD in the Turf Advisor app is one of my favorite features, but if you still use the website for GDD thresholds:
Any GDD thresholds you set last year on the Syngenta turf webpage will keep running, so you will get your notification emails at some point, especially if it warms up.
These notification emails are useful in season to notify for your next application, but don’t let them push you to start if that’s outside what you’ve got planned.
