Syngenta headlines SALTEX Learning Live
Sean Loakes will kick-off the Spotlight Stage at SALTEX Learning Live this week, headlining an Integrated approach to leatherjacket and chafer grub control.
Presenting the first slot, at 10.00am on Wednesday 30 October, with Christian Spring, Principal Scientist at the STRI Group, Sean will give practical advice on how to control two of the UK’s primary soil pests of turf – bringing together cultural controls alongside Acelepryn and NemaTrident strategies.
Find out more about the SALTEX Learning Live programme
Sean, Syngenta UK Turf & Landscape Technical Manager, advocates all turf management measures that enhance rooting and build up the resilience of turf will help to mitigate against the feeding damage of soil pests and limit their physical effects.
“But when it comes to reducing the physical numbers of damaging soil pests, the cultural measures have to be integrated with controls involving Acelepryn insecticide and/or NemaTrident beneficial nematodes.
“Tackling soil pest populations is also the most effective way to minimise associated issues of predators destroying turf surfaces,” he adds.
During the SALTEX presentation Sean will unveil results of the Syngenta Pest Tracker survey that, after four years of citizen science reporting, has identified the optimum timing to target leatherjacket treatments across the UK.
“The Pest Tracker report is an important resource for use in developing more effective Integrated Turf Management strategies, as well as delivering more consistent and reliable results through optimised application timing.”
Furthermore, Sean will be back on the Spotlight Stage on Thursday 31 October, to present Guarding against grass disease in a stadium environment. Speaking with Deborah Cox, founder of Lagan Valley Scientific and ICL Technical Manager, Henry Bechelet, they will together explore the particular challenges facing stadium turf management.
“Typically warmer and with high humidity and low air flow, the conditions inside stadiums, with prolonged periods of leaf wetness, are especially favourable for turf disease development,” warns Sean.
“Turf managers need to be especially vigilant for the signs and symptoms of early disease infection, and prepared to take necessary actions to prevent it developing.
Find out more about the SALTEX Learning Live programme
“SALTEX is a great opportunity to find out the latest tools and tactics to tackle topical issues in turf management. There is a strong educational element, and the chance to meet up with the Syngenta team on stand G150”.
