New research indicates that superintendents can significantly reduce fuel and labor cost when Primo MAXX, a type of plant growth regulator (PGR) from Syngenta Professional Products, is used as part of a golf course maintenance program.

A new Technical Commentary titled “Primo MAXX and its Impact on 2008 Golf
Course Budgets,” by Dennis Shepard, PhD, Syngenta field technical manager, suggests that golf course superintendents may save several thousand dollars annually by using the product.

In 2008, most courses can expect to spend approximately  $25,000 to $30,000+ annually to keep mowers, vehicles and other equipment fueled. The Syngenta commentary states that, because Primo MAXX can significantly slow vertical turf growth within three to five days of application, it is possible for a course to realize significant fuel and labor savings by eliminating up to two mowings per week, as well as reducing labor-intensive hand mowing and trimming.

A copy of the Technical Commentary is available by contacting Tom Mentzer at
[email protected].