Turf
Syngenta's commitment to the global turf market
Turfgrass, the collective name for the living surfaces of our lawns, parks,
school yards, golf courses and other green spaces, is arguably the plant with
which human beings most often come into contact. As a result, it is often taken
for granted and the important role it plays in our environment overlooked or
misunderstood. A large tree, with its imposing presence and thousands of
oxygen-producing leaves, is much more likely to get credit for enhancing the
environment than the lawn that surrounds it.
But a typical lawn, (for example measuring 232 square meters), can release
enough oxygen for a family of four, absorb harmful carbon dioxide and other air
pollutants and even lower noise pollution from nearby streets.
At Syngenta, we understand that the contributions that turfgrass makes to human
surroundings are psychological as well as physical. We recognize that in
addition to the obvious health benefits, green spaces provide respites from the
strain of modern life to people and wildlife alike.
According to studies conducted by an American University, the presence of
turfgrass in urban residential areas can contribute to social wellbeing as well
as enabling physical pursuits. We recognize that in addition to the obvious
health benefits, green spaces provide respites from the strain of modern life
to people and wildlife alike.
That is why we dedicate some of the best resources of Syngenta, one of the
world's largest agribusiness companies, to this important market. Like food
crops, turfgrass and other ornamental plants are susceptible to a seemingly
endless variety of insect, weed and disease pests. Globally, Syngenta offers
more than a dozen products designed specifically to combat insects, prevent
disease, eradicate weeds and otherwise enhance the beauty and health of green
spaces. From fungicides that keep disease from causing dead spots on a lawn to
novel plant growth regulators that reduce the need for watering and clipping on
golf courses, Syngenta has a product in its portfolio to meet virtually any
threat faced by turfgrass. Some highlights of the Syngenta portfolio include:
BARRICADE® is a"pre-emergent" herbicide that begins to control crabgrass -
one of the most common enemies of turfgrass - before the weed even has a chance
to grow. When applied in the autumn for the following spring, one application
can give season-long control of 30 grassy and broadleaf weeds without staining
hard surfaces. Not only is turfgrass treated with BARRICADE healthier and more
attractive, the absence of crabgrass and other weeds in home lawns and sports
fields means those playing there have a safer and more pristine surface to
enjoy.
PRIMO® MAXX® is a product that, by reducing the rate of growth, creates
a stronger and healthier plant. Simply put, turfgrass that has been treated
with PRIMO MAXX grows at a slower rate than untreated turfgrass. The additional
energy this reserves strengthens the plant, making it more durable and more
resistant to extremes of temperature, foot and vehicle traffic, drought and
disease. Equally important, the slower rate of growth reduces the need for
mowing by as much as 50% with a myriad of benefits such as reduced water
consumption and less need to continually repaint sporting fields. In fact,
research carried out at a university in the United States proved that water
consumption in treated turf is reduced by 25%. Finally, PRIMO MAXX has minimal
environmental impact, as its molecular structure is very rapidly broken down
into carbon dioxide and water.
The fungicide HERITAGE® was developed to give turfgrass greater protection
against some of the common diseases that rob it of its vitality. As one of the
newest products on the market, HERITAGE contains an active ingredient based on
the chemical structure of naturally occurring fungicides. It can be applied at
very low rates and offers exceptional length of control (up to 28 days in some
cases) to prevent diseases such as brown patch, pythium and snow mold. It is
one of five products Syngenta offers as part of one of the strongest fungicide
lines available.
Syngenta is also committed to meeting the future needs of the turfgrass
industry on a global level. The turf group has a seat alongside the traditional
agriculture business when decisions are made on marketing strategy, resource
allocation and research and development. This results in greater attention to
the needs of the turfgrass industry and an earlier screening of molecules for
possible applications in the protection of green spaces.
But although it can boast one of the best product portfolios on the global
market, Syngenta is not content to be simply a supplier of products. With its
worldwide capabilities and a leading presence in the most developed turf market
in the world - the United States - Syngenta is uniquely positioned to bring
"best practices" to every corner of the globe. New opportunities are currently
underway in Japan, Australia and Western Europe.
In the U.S., Syngenta recently launched GREENCAST™, a resource that will
provide timely and useful information to customers via the Internet. It
includes Pest Outlooks, a state of the art forecasting tool that allows golf
course superintendents and lawn care companies to see in advance when disease
or insects might threaten their area and GREENPARTNERS™, a program that
allows customers to earn points for their purchases. These points can be
redeemed for computers and other valuable business tools and for travel to
educational seminars.
In the future, Syngenta hopes to bring these services and more to other turf
and ornamental markets. In the meantime, if you would like further information
about Syngenta or any of its turf and ornamental brands,
click here.
