Technical “ Figure 1. The plant disease triangle
• The process by which the pathogen enters the plant
• The period during which the pathogen inhabits its host without visible symptoms
• Is a consequence of interactions between the pathogen and its host
• The process in which the pathogen produces propagules for spread and survival
Figure 2: Stages of disease development
applications is more critical and relies upon treating the disease in the early stages before symptoms are manifest in the plant. Managers will need to recognise this, and work with suppliers and agronomists who can advise appropriately.
Models have conventionally been used to help us think about turf diseases. The plant disease triangle (figure 1) is a model that demonstrates that all three aspects need to be present for disease to be expressed within the plant. A virulent pathogen operating within a favourable environment that contains a susceptible host will lead to disease. Focusing on any of these elements can help us reduce the likelihood of an outbreak, i.e. making the environment less favourable or making the host less susceptible. Models already exist that can help us understand the pathogen and the susceptibility of the host, i.e. phenology models have existed within agriculture for decades e.g. Growth Degree Days, temperature and leaf wetness. Developed in the United States, where there is a strong background of incorporating science into the practical management of turf‐grasses, the relative success obtained from developing and using these models will ultimately shape the outcome of which companies will be providing advice to turf managers in the future. Other models can help us understand the
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various stages of disease and when we need to be targeting the various methods we’ll be using (figure 2). Critically, the disease only becomes evident within the plant in the latter stages and preventative treatments will need to be focused on the first two stages. Supplier relationships are important within the amenity sector and the technical knowledge of individuals, not only about their product range but also an understanding of plant health and disease management, will become increasingly important.
Turf managers that relied on conventional practices ‐ note the use of the word conventional as opposed to traditional ‐ will start to disappear. Sales people who lack an understanding of plant health and turf disease management will become fewer, particularly as an appreciation of the harm that overzealous use of iron can induce. Changing regulations, loss of professional Plant Protection Products and a lack of legal enforcement means that we’re heading for an era of ‘grey’ products. We will witness more products coming onto the market that state “they will do one thing” when the reality will be that they do something entirely different. As an industry, we have already embarked upon that journey and, although I welcome change, I also have grave reservations, particularly in the use of unregistered products which are being used to control problems without sufficient regard for the consequence of their use.
Not all of these ‘grey’ products will prove to be problematic and I imagine that it will lead to a stratification of the supplier network: managers will have suppliers they buy most of their consumables from, informed suppliers that work hard to provide reliable products and have a sophisticated knowledge on how these products interact, suppliers that offer specialist products, and ‘dirty’ suppliers that don’t particularly care about the consequence of the commodities they sell as long as there’s a profit to be derived.
Skilled managers will be able to communicate the implications of these changes and the need to address the shortfall in available tools and, as a consequence, they will progress within their careers. Throwing ones hands up in the air and declaring that “our arms are tied and that the tools to do the job are gone” is a poor defence; we are employed to find solutions, not pass on problems.
So why am I so excited about losing iprodione? For many, the loss of this curative fungicide will lead to an increased scrutiny of
our own practices and on the advice we seek from suppliers and other professionals. Going back to develop our own knowledge, in the light of our experience, will hopefully prove to be a useful, if salutary, experience. Innovations will come as a response to the changing practices; new ways of thinking about the plant, substrate, microorganisms and the environment; and the interactions that take place between all of these. We’re entering an era of biostimulants which will necessitate an improved understanding of a set of complex processes.
This is occurring simultaneously with the adoption of technologies such as robotics, Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensors. Many of these technologies have already been adopted within agriculture, and companies within the amenity sector are looking to capitalise on the experience gained there.
A project currently running at Harper Adams University is attempting to grow a crop from ground preparation through to harvest using machinery that doesn’t involve people. There are threats too. In these challenging financial times, the opportunity to reduce costs will be a significant driver. Younger greenkeepers will emerge who are more capable of adapting to these technologies and less accepting of the status quo. It will naturally become more data driven as technologies become adopted and course managers will be making decisions via computer or their mobile phone, aspects that require increased integration and connectivity.
Change is occurring within the amenity sector, and I commend the BIGGA committee responsible for putting together the “Continue to Learn” programme at BTME. The standard of talks was excellent, with many contributors getting to grips with the challenges that the industry faces; this is a valuable source of the lifelong education and professional development that is needed through these uncertain times and the best way they can support their members.
Change wasn’t evident within the exhibition halls at BTME this year but, talking to various companies, there’s a recognition that the changes that are occurring provide opportunities to improve. I suspect that the next decade will witness losses and gains and a response that will galvanise our industry so that we can continue to reinforce our reputation on the international stage.
We will witness more products coming onto the market that state “they will do one thing” when the reality will be that they do something entirely different. As an industry, we have already embarked upon that journey and, although I welcome change, I also have grave reservations
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