A tool to help professional turf managers manage many species of nematodes as well as a variety of common soil-borne diseases recently received federal label registration by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
With the active ingredient cyclobutrifluram, Trefiniti is a nematicide/fungicide product that utilizes Syngenta's Tymirium technology that supports the plant's ability to resist pressure from root diseases and nematodes on greens, tees and fairways.
The new product from Syngenta is registered for control of sting, lance, root-knot and Anguina Pacifica nematode species. It also is registered for control of diseases such as fairy ring, mini-ring, spring dead spot and take-all root rot.
"While light sandy soils have historically been conducive to nematode issues, nematodes can be found in all soil types," Lane Tredway, Ph.D., technical services manager for turf at Syngenta, said in a news release. "Over the past decade, we have conducted extensive testing to address this growing issue for turfgrass managers. The sustained R&D investment has led to Trefinti, a groundbreaking solution for controlling elusive, damaging nematodes that also offers powerful control of root diseases."
Researchers recommend rotating Trefinti with another nematicide in areas with high nematode populations or substantial damage. A rotation with another nematicide also can help expand control of other nematode species, such as spiral and stubby root, as well as resistance management for sting and root-knot species. Trefinti can be applied as a broadcast spray or spot treatment. It will be available once it receives registration at the state level.
"Trefinti delivers what superintendents have been asking for—broader-spectrum nematode control including lance," said Stephanie Schwenke, turf market manager at Syngenta, "plus the added benefit of soil-borne disease protection in one solution."