Product News

BASF pest management guide available

BASF Turf & Ornamentals has published a free pest management guide to help nursery, greenhouse and turf maintenance professionals select the most effective solutions for a variety of pest management challenges. Interested growers can order their guide at the BASF ornamentals-focused Web site, www.betterplants.com/.
    
"As an innovative leader in the pest management industry, BASF is committed to helping turf and ornamental professionals make informed decisions about which products will best meet their needs. This guide accomplishes that and helps growers yield better plants," said Toni Bucci, Ph.D., BASF Turf & Ornamentals business manager.

The guide addresses fungicides, herbicides and insecticides. Charts in each section of the guide include information on Fungicide Resistance Action Committee, Weed Science Society of America and Insecticide Resistance Action Committee mode of action classifications for each product listed.

In addition, the charts provide a side-by-side overview of primary target pests, chemical group, active ingredients and trade names, as well as restricted entry interval and use sites for each product. For more, visit http://www.betterturf.com/ and http://www.betterplants.com/.

Phoenix adds CutDown PGR

CutDown plant growth regulator is the latest product to become a part of the Phoenix Environmental Care LLC product line. CutDown contains the active ingredient paclobutrazole, a proven ingredient for suppressing unwanted plant growth in turf and tree applications. 

"CutDown is unique in that it is the only product containing paclobutrazole that is labeled for both suppression of turfgrass growth and tree growth management," says Rick Grant, director of business development. "In turf, CutDown can be used for Poa conversion.  CutDown works fast, and Poa annua growth starts to slow in from just three to ten days after an application is made."

According to Grant, the product is also an excellent material for regulating unwanted vegetative growth of trees and can be applied by soil injection or basal drench. 

CutDown contains paclobutrazole in a 2-pound-per-gallon formulation.  It will be offered in cases containing four, one-gallon containers each.

Contact http://www.phoenixenvcare.com/.

Standard has microfiber tee towel

Standard Golf Co.'s new microfiber tee towel has seven times the absorbency and three times the "wicking" action of a standard cotton towel.

Produced as an antimicrobial product, the microfiber tee towel repels odors and stains and includes a handy grommet for easy attachment.  This premium, washable towel comes in a variety of ultraviolet-resistant colors that includes black, red, white and green and can be embroidered with clubs' logos.

Contact http://www.standardgolf.com/, 866-743-9773.

Bobcat adds more powerful compact track loader

Bobcat says its new T320 compact track loader offers a powerful 92-hp diesel engine for operators who want to push more, dig more and grade more.

The introduction of the T320 extends the line of Bobcat compact track loaders to six. The vertical lift path loader has a 3,200-pound rated operating capacity, making it the largest compact track loader manufactured by the company.

Bobcat representatives say the T320 excels at using high-flow Bobcat attachments such as the Brushcat rotary cutter, stump grinder, chipper and more. The extra horsepower, coupled with the Bobcat rugged rubber tracks, also gives the muscle needed for tough pushing, digging and grading. In addition, the track system provides extra traction, reduced ground pressure and low ground disturbance, with superior flotation. The machine’s 18-inch wide rubber tracks produce just 4.2 pounds per square inch of ground pressure.

The T320 is equipped with a hydraulic system that produces 21.2 gallons per minute, or an optional 37 gallons per minute high-flow system, which produces excellent hydraulic breakout force and lifting capabilities.

The unit comes with a fully adjustable suspension seat and has state-of-the-art instrument panels that provide operational, diagnostic and monitoring features. The optional deluxe instrument panel includes a keyless-start security system, lockouts, digital engine hour and job clocks, a multi-language display as well as a "help" menu. To find a Bobcat dealer, visit http://www.bobcatdealer.com. For more information, visit http://www.bobcat.com/.

Signature named official partner of Audubon International           

Signature Golf Insurance, Canada's leading golf club insurance program, has been named an official partner of Audubon International.

James Grant, CEO and co-founder of Signature Risk Partners Inc., said, "We are strong supporters of the program and we are pleased to be able to offer a 10 percent  premium credit to golf course facilities that achieve and maintain cooperative sanctuary certification."

"For 15 years we've worked with the dedicated owners and staff at 2100-plus golf courses around the world," said Kevin A. Fletcher, Ph.D., executive director at Audubon International. "Working with Signature Risk Partners is a new way for us to reward those courses who are leading the industry in best environmental practices through premium insurance rates, while also creating a new market incentive for others to get involved."

The insurance program is available to qualifying golf course facilities in Canada as of June 15, 2007. Contact 416-624-2222, http://www.signaturerisk.com.

Fire ant product aids the environment

Stet Corp., Belton, Texas, says it has a new technology that uses agricultural waste to produce True Stop fire ant insecticide and reduce greenhouse gases.

William Dean Holz, who originally developed The True Stop formula while working with fertilization and bio remediation, has launched Stet Corp to manufacture and distribute WisEarth branded insecticides and soil products.

The company’s flagship product, True Stop is an environmentally friendly natural insecticide for residential, commercial and agricultural use that kills the entire red fire ant mound.

"Until now, the red imported fire ants had virtually no natural biological control agents in the United States," said Holz. "Not only are we working to help rid the United States of this dreaded and sometimes deadly nuisance, but we are offering a solution to dairy farmers in the disposal of waste product."

In addition to Texas, Stet Corp received approval to distribute in Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina and Tennessee and is currently working on partnerships in Peru and Africa.  Stet Corp has also filed an application to conduct business in California.

Stet Corp. also continues to develop additional innovative and environment-friendly products to add to its WisEarth line including liquid compost and root stimulator. Contact http://www.stetcorp.com.