Case Study: Using Attraxor for growth regulation and Poa annua management.

·       Significant reduction in Poa annua seedheads

·       Improved course playability and ball roll.

·       Improved Stimpmetre rating of 11 – highest ever recorded on site

Nestled amidst the Manx Countryside, Comis Hotel and Golf Resort, has unveiled the key benefits it has been getting from using the plant growth regulator (PGR), Attraxor. The resort at Mount Murray spans across 6361 yards, and boasts a scenic 18-hole championship course, incorporating natural features of the Manx countryside with hedging, streams, and lakes. Here, Gary Corlett, Course Manager, shares how Attraxor has led to a reduction in seedheads and has improved course playability metrics.

Gary introduced Attraxor to the greens at Comis Hotel and Golf Resort in April 2023, and it soon became a key part of course maintenance. Gary said; “Since using Attraxor, the grass quality has improved significantly. We have seen an increase in bent grass and overall turf coverage has improved and become much denser. It really is an amazing product, especially for reducing Poa seedheads!”

Attraxor has been proven to regulate growth effectively as part of a well-managed turf strategy, meaning the hard work put into the upkeep of the grounds lasts longer. The active product within Attraxor is Prohexadione-calcium, which inhibits the gibberellic acid pathway, resulting in reduction of turf height and biomass. Root growth is encouraged through Attraxor to aid strength, whilst turf colour and quality are upheld.

Gary explained, a key benefit of using Attraxor compared to other plant growth regulator products is its ability to quickly reduce the size of the Poa annua seedheads. This reduction is facilitated by the active, prohexadione-calcium, which limits the spread of Poa annua by reducing seed-head production. It weakens the Poa, while strengthening the sward and improving density.

Despite experiencing some initial turf discolouration, which soon resolved, the long-term benefits of Attraxor has noticeably enhanced turf quality and playability.

Gary said: “Since using Attraxor, our members have noticed a massive improvement in ball roll and speed, and we achieved our highest stimp rating of 11, which is something we have never been able to achieve prior to using Attraxor.”

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

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Editors notes

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