Bio-Control Fungicide: One Year On - What We Have Learned?

The Promise of Harmonix Turf Defense

Harmonix Turf Defense is a biocontrol fungicide that leverages naturally occurring microorganisms to combat turf diseases. The unique bacteria in HTD directly target pathogens and enhance the turf natural defences (see below). This environmentally friendly approach aims to maintain healthy turf while reducing the environmental impact of disease management practices.

Effectiveness in Disease Control

Over the past year, greenkeepers across the UK have reported their experiences with Harmonix Turf Defense. Here are some key takeaways:

1. Disease Suppression: The biocontrol fungicide has shown effectiveness in suppressing a variety of turf diseases, including dollar spot, anthracnose, and microdochium patch. Its multiple modes of action with both preventative and contact activity has helped reduce the severity of outbreaks on turf throughout the year.
2. Environmental Benefits: Harmonix Turf Defense's use of naturally occurring microorganisms has helped reduced the number of chemical fungicides in many programmes, aligning with sustainable greenkeeping practices and promoting a healthier ecosystem.
3. Turf Performance: By enhancing the plant's natural defences, Harmonix Turf Defense has contributed to overall turf health and resilience. This has resulted in improved turf quality and playability on golf courses and sports fields.

Challenges and Lessons Learned

The first year of using Harmonix Turf Defense has brought valuable insights. Here are some of the challenges and lessons learned from the field:

1. Application Timing: Correct timing of applications is crucial for achieving optimal results. Preventative applications, before the onset of disease, have proven to be most effective. Greenkeepers have had to carefully monitor disease pressure and environmental conditions.
2. Environmental Conditions: As Harmonix Turf Defense is based on naturally occurring bacteria, it does not have the same longevity of its synthetic counterparts. By monitoring growth and reducing application intervals during warmer conditions turf managers have reported fantastic results.
3. Integration with Conventional Chemistry: Harmonix Turf Defense works best when integrated into a comprehensive turf management programme. Combining it with appropriate conventional fungicides, particularly during high disease pressure, alongside solid cultural practices such as moisture management, aeration, and balanced nutrition has enhanced its effectiveness.
4. New Way of Thinking: While offering environmental benefits, Harmonix Turf Defense is most effective when the turf manager is tracking weather data to ensure application intervals keep disease at bay. Greenkeepers have had to balance a new way of thinking against the long-term benefits of sustainable disease management.

Trials Results

Trials conducted at Throws Farm Turf Technology Centre (Origin Amenity Solutions) in 2022/23 showed that by incorporating Harmonix Turf Defense in between fungicide applications, traditional fungicides could be halved (from six to three) with no significant difference in disease incidence compared to plots using fungicides alone.

Using Harmonix Turf Defense alone was able to significantly reduce disease but was unable to fully control it. No problem! Turf Managers up and down the country already perform many practices designed to reduce disease. By building HTD into an effective IPM that also considers the local climate, we can soon see why it is a vital tool for reducing our overall reliance on conventional fungicides.

Future Outlook

Looking ahead, the continued use of Harmonix Turf Defense appears promising. As greenkeepers become more familiar with the product and refine their application techniques, its effectiveness is likely to improve. Furthermore, its role in promoting sustainable and environmentally friendly turf management cannot be overstated.

Conclusion

One year on, Harmonix Turf Defense has proven to be a valuable tool in the greenkeeper's arsenal. While there are challenges to overcome, the lessons learned and the successes achieved highlight its potential for sustainable disease management. By continuing to share knowledge and best practices, the greenkeeping community can further optimise the use of this innovative biocontrol fungicide, ensuring healthier, more resilient turf for years to come.

The first year of Harmonix Turf Defense has been a learning journey for many UK greenkeepers. Its successful integration into turf management programmes demonstrates its potential as a cornerstone of sustainable disease control, providing both environmental benefits and effective disease suppression.