Turf managers now have some outstanding high-tech spray equipment available, but many are still failing to achieve the best results possible, according to Syngenta application specialist, Tom Robinson.

However, an extensive Syngenta research programme into turf spray application planned for this season, along with new developments in disease management tools, are set to significantly improve results in the future.

He calculates up to half the success of a disease control application could be attributed to the physical spraying process – including timing of application, sprayer maintenance and operation and nozzle choice. He highlights this season’s Syngenta research will look closely at the effects of water volume for turf applications, since spraying at a lower water volume could enable much faster operation – which in turn can improve the timeliness of fungicide application, and minimise disruption to the golf course or pitch use.

“We also know from our experience with crop spraying that nozzle selection can make a significant difference in results for disease and weed control – influencing spray retention on the target leaf, as well as spray penetration to the base of the dense leaf structure of turf,” according to Tom. “The success we have had with designing and supplying specialist angled and air-induction nozzles for specific applications could be equally applicable at improving results in turf,” he adds.

Previous Syngenta research has also pioneered application techniques to improve stewardship and environmental management, including enhancing sprayer accuracy and minimising spray drift.