Author: John

Master Greenkeeper John Quinn is the author of Performance Bowling Greens, and several other titles on Greenkeeping, Club and Business Management.

December 18, 2024

Phosphite and Disease Resistance

Phosphite (PO₃³⁻) is a reduced form of phosphate (PO₄³⁻), the familiar phosphorus source in traditional fertilisers. Although the two compounds are chemically related, their behaviours in plants and soils differ significantly. Phosphite is highly soluble and readily absorbed through both roots and foliage, making it a highly efficient delivery mechanism for phosphorus-related benefits, including disease and pest resistance, acting as a trigger for some of the plant's remarkable natural defence mechanisms.

December 15, 2024

Dealing with Leatherjackets: Chitin v Chlorantraniliprole

TL;DR: Greenkeepers are facing increasing challenges due to climate change, outdated practices, and pest infestations. While Chlorantraniliprole-based insecticides might offer a quick and temporary fix, they disrupt soil microbiology and pose environmental risks. The withdrawal of pesticides, however, presents an opportunity to work smarter and in harmony with nature.

Chitin, found in insect exoskeletons and fungal cell walls, plays a crucial role in soil health. When broken down into chitosan, it enhances plant growth, improves soil structure, and stimulates beneficial soil microorganisms. However, conventional greenkeeping can disrupt these natural processes, leading to a deficiency of beneficial substances like chitosan.

By reducing reliance on artificial inputs and reintroducing natural substances like chitosan, we can restore the soil's natural balance and promote healthier, more resilient turf. Chitosan enhances plant growth and productivity through soil conditioning, plant health stimulation, microbiological associations, biocontrol, and bioremediation. Thus, chitosan plays a multifaceted role in the soil ecosystem, contributing to soil health, plant growth, and disease and pest resistance.

December 14, 2024

Fusarium and the Disease Triangle

Managing diseases like fusarium patch can be a challenge for bowling greenkeepers striving for healthy, high-performance turf. While fungicides provide some relief, long-term reliance can weaken natural defences and disrupt soil health. Emerging research highlights the value of PotSi as a sustainable alternative to bolster turf resilience. By strengthening cell walls, enhancing stress resistance, and activating natural defence mechanisms, potassium silicate offers a proactive approach to reducing disease severity and recurrence. Discover how integrating this innovative solution into your maintenance programme can support greener, more sustainable greens.

December 9, 2024

Grass Root Defences: Leatherjacket control in Bowling Greens

Grasses employ a range of physical, chemical, and indirect defences to protect their roots from insect herbivores. Further research is needed to fully understand these mechanisms and to explore other potential defences, but meantime, we can take some of this knowledge and apply it now to our greenkeeping practices.

December 3, 2024

Mycorrhizal fungi and turf health, better bowling greens rely on us understanding this.

Mycorrhizal fungi and turf health go hand in hand. The symbiotic relationships that exist between our turf grass plants and soil fungi are critical to producing a high performance, perennial grass dominated sward. Here we look at the benefits of mycorrhizal relationships in turf and the techniques greenkeepers can employ to encourage them.