The exciting new dual-action Syngenta turf fungicide Ascernity® has gained approval for use in Ireland – bringing a step change in disease control for high pressure conditions.
Independent research at the Irish Sports Turf Institute has shown that including Ascernity in the disease programme was the only option to consistently achieve complete microdochium control of the approaches in the trials. Ascernity brings an entirely new active for turf disease management in Ireland, in combination with a triazole fungicide active designed to give the optimum balance of internal and leaf surface protection.
Key to the outstanding performance of Ascernity is an advanced formulation, specifically created to achieve a protective coating on the leaf surface, and to move the active evenly through the plant. This balanced systemicity of Ascernity ensures the whole plant leaf remains protected for longer - giving sustained disease control.
Unlike some existing systemic actives, Ascernity stays evenly distributed through the leaf, reported Glenn Kirby, Syngenta Technical Manager for the UK and Ireland.
“The balance of translaminar and systemic uptake retains the disease-fighting active throughout the growing leaf,” he reported. “Ascernity is extremely stable within the leaf; studies have shown that even 14-days after application there is no degradation or dilution in the leaf.”
Glenn highlighted that the combination of two actives and two different modes of action targeted disease at different stages, giving greater flexibility in application timing and the efficacy of disease control.
Results from over 70 trials throughout Europe have shown the highly effective performance against a full range of key turf diseases, including Microdochium nivalle, anthracnose, dollar spot and take-all. Trials had also shown good effect on fairy ring. He believes Ascernity will become the core fungicide option for late spring, through summer into autumn growth periods. “Targeting disease earlier prevents damage to the leaf, reduces stress on the plant and effectively breaks the disease cycle – enabling fungicide programmes to maintain playing surface quality and longer lasting results throughout the season.
“The dual action of Ascernity is so effective since it initially stops germinating spores from developing hyphae on the surface. But if disease has penetrated through into the leaf, it can still act curatively to stop further infection - before visible damage breaks out.” Ascernity is approved for two applications per season in Ireland, at a rate of 3.0 l/ha. ISTI research has shown it can be used to complement Instrata Elite and Medallion TL in a powerful disease control programme for turf quality, especially when used in conjunction with Ryder turf pigment
Launching Ascernity in Ireland, Syngenta Turf Business Manager, Daniel Lightfoot, added there was huge excitement that it had successfully gained approval in the Republic of Ireland and to launch the new active ingredient.
“The investment in achieving approval for Ascernity underlines our commitment to delivering effective solutions for greenkeepers’ turf disease control, along with the research, support and advice to get the best results.”
Daniel highlighted that, in a survey for the R&A Golf Course 2030 initiative roadmap earlier this year, pesticide availability was cited as by far the greatest concern for greenkeepers and the industry across the UK and Ireland. He pointed out that the power of the actives in Ascernity will perfectly complement other Syngenta turf fungicides, to enable turf managers to plan a strategic disease control approach, alongside advanced innovative technologies in wetting agents, pigments and amino acid programmes.
“Used as a strategic part of an integrated Turf Management (ITM) plan, Ascernity can assure a sustainable long-term future for effective turf disease control,” he added.
Colman Warde, Ireland Country Sales Manager for ICL, which exclusively distribute the Syngenta Turf & Landscape portfolio in the UK & Ireland, said: “Ascernity is an exciting new fungicide and we are absolutely delighted to be bringing it to the Irish sports turf market. “We’ve seen how well Ascernity works on its own and with other products in the ISTI research and we can’t wait to start recommending it as part of our strategic ITM programmes from now on.”