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If there is one thing we can be certain of this season, is that there will be increased disease pressures given the crazy weather we’ve been experiencing. As we come into winter, one of the diseases that can be prevalent is Winter Fusarium (Microdochium Patch, formerly Fusarium nivale).The following conditions tend to lead to this disease:More than 10 hours a day of foliar wetness for several consecutive daysCool temperatures; 0 – 10°C are most favourableSoil high in nitrogen fertility and low phosphorous and potassiumAreas with slow growing conditions and heavy thatch.Winter Fusarium symptoms are evident from May to September in the southern states of Australia, in New Zealand or in cooler climates. It’s important to keep your turf protected through autumn and winter, as scarring will only start to recover in spring when active growth resumes.Patches can present as pinkish in colour and can change from orange-brown to dark brown and finally to a light grey. The spots may enlarge indefinitely but are…

In 2025, Syngenta had the honour of awarding two educational scholarships to professionals from New Zealand: the Women in Turf Scholarship and the NZGCSA 'Wider Education Scholarship'. The Women in Turf Scholarship was awarded to Holly Abell, from the Kimihia Research Facility (PGG Wrightson Turf) and Callum Cameron, from the Remuera Golf Club was the recipient of the NZGCSA ‘Wider Education Scholarship’. Holly is a young professional currently working in the R&D team at the Kimihia Research Facility, while also studying a Level III Certificate in Turf Management and Master in Business at Lincoln University. Her day-to-day work includes turf maintenance, chemical trials and turf breeder trials. She is looking to progress into more research and development, especially in the technology space which she finds particularly interesting, as well as looking at more sustainable ways to look after turf. Holly found the 2025 ASTMA Conference a great way to meet people from the same…

Exciting Changes in the Turf & Landscape Team at Syngenta

Well managed turf grass is an attractive target for African Black Beetle. Post hatch, the larvae stage (often referred to as white grubs) look to turf grass roots and feed to support their growth with the consequence being a rapid decline in turf quality during the times that feeding occurs. This can lead to rapid decline in turf strength and quality. By attacking the roots, the turf plant is under greater stress from limited water and nutrient uptake and is only compounded when there is high usage pressure on the turf surface or when you harvest. This is why preventative proactive management of white grubs is a must.Identifying the pest   Figure 1: African Black Beetle adult (left) and larvae (right).The first step is to correctly identify the pest. African Black Beetle adults grow into 12 to 15 mm shiny dark brown to black beetles. The have a broad, shovel-like head, clubbed antennae, and flares/spurs on their legs. The males have a thickened tarsus on front leg (to help them dig).&nbsp…

SPINNER combines two highly systemic chemistries for the rapid control of insect larvae.

Summer has arrived and along with it, heat and humidity: ideal conditions for diseases such as Anthracnose to thrive in even the most finely managed turfgrass.

Achieve accurate spray applications on your turf with Syngenta's calculator and app tools

A step-by-step guide on how to monitor Argentine Stem Weevil adult populations using a soap flush.

A step-by-step guide on how to monitor Argentine Stem Weevil larvae populations using a salt flush.

 In 2024, Syngenta had the honor of awarding two educational scholarships to professionals from New Zealand: the Women in Turf Scholarship and the NZGCSA 'Wider Education Scholarship'. The Women in Turf Scholarship was awarded to Sofia Urrets Zavalia, from the Remuera Golf Club and Kiel Stechman, from the Manawatu Golf Club was the recipient of the NZGCSA ‘Wider Education Scholarship’.Born in Argentina, Sofia Urrets Zavalia is a professional in the turf management industry, currently working as the Co-Team Leader and Spray Technician at Remuera Golf Club. With a rich background in agronomy and ten years of experience, Sofia brings a wealth of expertise to her role. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Sofia is a passionate golfer who finds joy in exploring different cultures and working environments. Kiel Benjamin Sinclair Stechman: Kiel's turf management journey began unexpectedly, transitioning from a golf enthusiast at Springfield Golf Club to an apprentice greenkeeper at…

MONUMENT is the best sedge, broadleaf and grass control partner in Couch, with reliable and effective results.

One crucial tool you need under your belt is a growth regulation plan.