Syngenta US News
Primo MAXX® PGR Linked to Fuel and Labor Savings
Primo MAXX® plant growth regulator (PGR) from Syngenta Professional Products has long been regarded as the gold standard for turf PGRs. New research indicates that superintendents can significantly reduce fuel and labor cost when Primo MAXX is used as part of a golf course maintenance program.
A new Technical Commentary titled “Primo MAXX and its Impact on 2008 Golf Course Budgets,” by Dennis Shepard, PhD, Syngenta field technical manager, suggests that golf course superintendents may save several thousand dollars annually by using the product.
With fuel prices at all-time highs, the cost of mowing a typical 18-hole golf course has risen sharply. In 2008, most courses can expect to spend approximately $25,000 to $30,000+ annually to keep mowers, vehicles and other equipment fueled. The Syngenta commentary states that, because Primo MAXX can significantly slow vertical turf growth within three to five days of application, it is possible for a course to realize significant fuel and labor savings by eliminating up to two mowings per week, as well as reducing labor-intensive hand mowing and trimming.
Note: A copy of the Technical Commentary will be distributed with this release. It is also available by contacting Tom Mentzer at tmentzer@mprg.biz.
About Primo MAXX
Since registration in 1993, Primo® (and later, Primo MAXX) has been shown to slow vertical growth of all major turfgrasses, improve turf quality, and provide a high level of pre-stress conditioning.
Research at several universities during the past 15 years has shown that implementing a program that includes Primo MAXX applications prior to the onset of stresses like heat, drought, shade, disease, and traffic will help turfgrass withstand the rigors of the growing season better than if left untreated.
In 1997, Syngenta introduced the state-of-the-art MAXX® formulation for Primo, The Primo MAXX® formulation presents the active ingredient in a smaller particle size for more even coverage, easy mixing, consistent suspendability and maximum efficacy.
How Primo MAXX Works
•The active ingredient trinexapac-ethyl is absorbed by turf foliage within one-hour of application and slows the production of gibberellic acid (GA1), a plant hormone that promotes cell elongation.
•When used at label rates, it can reduce vertical turf growth by as much as 50 percent for up to four weeks. It can be applied at label rates about every four weeks or at reduced rates more frequently.
•While Primo MAXX slows turf vertical growth, it helps increase turf density and turf quality by stimulating growth of other plant parts such as stolons, rhizomes, tillers and roots.
Other Benefits of Using a PGR
•The deeper roots and denser turf can reduce water usage by up to 25 percent, and can improve drought, heat and cold tolerance.
•When used as part of a maintenance plan for golf putting greens, with repeat applications Primo MAXX can help increase putting speed and consistency.
• Fungicides will normally perform better because with increased stress tolerance from repeat Primo MAXX applications the turf will better resist disease.
Syngenta is a world-leading agribusiness committed to sustainable agriculture through innovative research and technology.
The company is a leader in crop protection, and ranks third in the high-value commercial seeds market. Sales in 2007 were approximately $9.2 billion. Syngenta employs over 21,000 people in more than 90 countries. Syngenta is listed on the Swiss stock exchange (SYNN) and in New York (SYT). Further information is available at www.syngenta.com.
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©2008 Syngenta Crop Protection, Inc., 410 Swing Road, Greensboro, NC 27409. Important: Always read and follow label instructions before buying or using this (these) product(s). Primo® and Primo MAXX® and the