Research Update

Research

Floratine Products Group believes in and supports university research. We fully understand that university studies and the information these studies provide is an invaluable tool and educational resource for superintendents and turf managers in their pursuit of maintaining the strongest, healthiest turf. Because of our commitment to university research, top turfgrass professors like Penn State professor Dr. Tom Watschke, professor emeritus of turfgrass science, have joined our staff to help continue our commitment to ongoing university research and new product development protocol.

BYU

Ana-Lync Kentucky Bluegrass Trial 2015
Summary:

Ana-Lync is a proprietary soil testing system and an expert interpretive program for identifying and prioritizing challenges for crops (including turfgrass) growing in various soils. Floratine Products Group, Inc.’s proprietary blend of nutrients and biostimulants claims to enhance nutrient uptake into the plants—impacting turfgrass health, quality, and appearance. The first year of an evaluation of a Ana-Lync system approach to identifying and correcting nutrient deficiencies utilizing products with claims of enhanced nutrient uptake and efficiency applied to Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.) was performed in 2015 at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. The objectives of this study were to determine whether Ana-Lync could identify the nutritional deficiencies and recommend nutritional inputs and positively impact turfgrass growth, appearance, and quality. The crown density, NDVI, and root biomass and depth all were increased when using the Ana-Lync based nutrient program. Verdure and shoot height and biomass were generally not impacted. Nutrient concentrations were also increased with P and K increased at one location and Zn, Mn, and B increased at both locations. Although just the first year of the trial, these results are very promising and warrant further evaluation.

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MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY

Crown Rot Anthracnose Summer 2009
Products:

Astron, Knife Plus, ProteSyn, Floradox Pro, P-48, Power 23-0-0, and PK Fight

Summary:

WHAT DOES MICHIGAN STATE ANTHRACNOSE RESEARCH SAY ABOUT</p><p>FLORATINE NUTRITION?

• Plant health is a key factor that determines disease severity.

• Carbohydrate starved annual bluegrass is more susceptible to anthracnose.

• Resistance to systemic fungicides (site-specific mode of action) is a major concern.

• Low-rate soluble nitrogen fertilization (.10 lbs. per 1,000) every 7 days has the greatest reduction in anthracnose.

• Test plots with Floratine nutrition and low dose contact fungicides had lower % of disease than fungicide only plots.

• Trial results offer superintendents options for maintaining healthy turf AND reducing the risks of systemic fungicide resistance.

• Floratine’s foliar delivery technology enhanced nutrient uptake and fungicide efficacy.

• ALL plots except Floratine received 1/2 lb. of nitrogen per month from a granular 18-4-12 product, including control plots. The Floratine plots received only an initial "background" application of this fertilizer. Once the study started, the only fertility applied to the Floratine plots came from Floratine foliar products. The total nitrogen fertility was essentially the same on all treatments.

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Michigan State Phosphorous Study 2007
Summary:

MSU Phosporous study shows positive results conducted by Dr. Joe Vargas

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Disease Injury Management
Dr. J. M. Vargas. Jr., 1992-93
Products:

Astron

Summary:

First year no disease pressure. Second year, damage from summer patch reduced on Astron alone and Astron/fungicide plots. “It demonstrated that by keeping the grass healthy you can reduce the amount of injury caused by a stress disease like summer patch.” - Vargas

Turf Quality (summer stress) with Phosphite Treatment
Dr. J. M. Vargas. Jr., et al, 2005 & 2006
Products:

PK Fight and Biostimulants

Summary:

First year study as unlabeled, second year as labeled foliar nutrient products. Both years, all Floratine products produced superior turf compared to control and equal or close to ratings on plots using two fungicide combinations.

Purdue University

Pre Stress Conditioning for Expedited Aerification Recovery with Dr. Watschke Summary Spring 2010
Products:

Per"4"Max , 23-0-0, Knife Plus, Protesyn

Summary:

Floratine Tops University TrialsTAKE AWAY SUMMARY OF THE RESEARCH IN 2009 ON CORE CULTIVATON RECOVERY CONDUCTED AT VIRGINIA TECH AND PURDUE UNIVERSITIES

Dr. Tom Watschke, Professor Emeritus, Penn State University

Director, Field Research, Floratine Products Group

---Two locations (Va. Tech and Purdue) were chosen in order to assess the reproducibility of results from different geographic areas

---Both research centers conducted the trials using identical protocols (methods, materials, treatments, and evaluation parameters)

---The rate of core cultivation closure, as a measure of mechanical stress resistance, was chosen because it could be imposed on the site via the same means and intensity. Further, other stresses (environmental for example) could not be duplicated exactly at two locations. Also, if pre-stress conditioning could be shown to enhance mechanical stress tolerance, reasonable assumptions could be made about other types of stresses.

---Pre-stress conditioning is a management approach used by many to enhance the ability of turfgrasses to handle stresses when they occur. It is a pro-active management strategy which involves the use of bio-stimulants, foliar nutrition, and, at times, plant growth regulators. These substances have been consistently shown to have a positive influence on the ability of turfgrasses to have nutritional soundness, active and balanced hormone/auxin activities, and increased levels of anti-oxidants. In the Virginia Tech and Purdue studies, all the treatments were applied prior to the core cultivation and none after the fact. Therefore, the positive results that occurred in both locations (quicker core cultivation hole closure and higher quality turf) were the result of the material applications that occurred prior to the core cultivation.

---The results of these two trials, which were both quantitative and qualitative and were mimics of each other, confirmed, with significance, that the combination of Floratine products, applied as a pro-active, pre-stress management strategy enhanced the treated turf’s ability to tolerate the mechanical stress and stimulated recovery from it.

The combination of Floratine products provided the necessary ingredients needed by the turf in order for it to function at a metabolic peak when the stress occurred (a classic example of how successful pro-active management can be, rather than re-active, which would be to treat the turf after the stress has occurred). The time has come to manage turfgrasses pro-actively rather than waiting for the turf to exhibit some sign that it is not doing well and in need of help.

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UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND

Creeping Bent Grass Quality and Rooting
Dr. Thomas Turner, 1991 and 1992
Products:

Astron, Knife, and Renaissance

Summary:

Astron demonstrated significant improvements in root development over N and two other biostimulants; vegetative reproduction under high temperature and humidity stress noted by researchers.

Sod Root Development - Kentucky Bluegrass
Dr. Thomas Turner, 1993
Products:

Astron, Knife

Summary:

Both products performed far above check and iron chelate treatment and on par with heavy N applications.

Astron - Primo Maxx Growth Comparison
Dr. Pete Dernoeden (sponsored by USGA), 2001
Products:

Astron

Summary:

Dr. Dernoeden hypothesized that there may be some slight increase of clippings when Astron is used concurrently with Primo Maxx when no nitrogen applied (see N.C. State, 2001, and Penn State University, 2002, Syngenta-Canada conclusions).

SOUTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY

Maxiplex Effect on Infiltration Rate & Water Retention of Sand Based Rootzones
Dr. Kenneth Diesburg, Dr. She-King Chong, 1995
Products:

Maxiplex

Summary:

Maxiplex increased water retention 66-70% in 100% sand and 77% in an 80-20 (peat) green.

Bentgrass Grow-In
Dr. Kenneth Diesburg, 1996
Products:

Maxiplex, CalpHlex, Retain (Soil Treatments)

Germinex Talc (Biostimulant Seed Treatment)

Summary:

Floratine treatment was top finisher in quality among a large group of fertilizers and biostimulants. Researchers killed plots three months after germination with a post emergent herbicide misapplication.

Astron Effect on Low Stress/Low Maintenance Bent
Dr. Kenneth Diesburg, Dr. She-King Chong, 1996
Products:

Astron and low N & K

Summary:

Significant root growth increase over 4 month period in seven of nine cultivars. Higher quality ratings with Astron treatments on 7 out of 9 cultivars (on one other cultivar Astron was equal to control, and control was better than Astron with one cultivar).

CalpHlex/Maxiplex/Retain & Low N on Bentgrass
Dr. Kenneth Diesburg, Dr. She-King Chong, 1997
Products:

CalpHlex, Maxiplex, Retain, and Low N

Summary:

Floratine at 0.5 lbs N plot quality as good “as Nutraline, Polyon, Optimil, and Milorganite at 2 lbs N” - Diesburg.

VIRGINIA TECH UNIVERSITY

Pre-Stress Conditioning for Expedited Aerification Recovery with Dr. Watschke Summary Spring 2010
Products:

Per"4"Max , Power 23-0-0, Knife Plus, Protesyn

Summary:

TAKE AWAY SUMMARY OF THE RESEARCH IN 2009 ON CORE CULTIVATON RECOVERY CONDUCTED AT VIRGINIA TECH AND PURDUE UNIVERSITIES

Dr. Tom Watschke, Professor Emeritus, Penn State University

Director, Field Research, Floratine Products Group

---Two locations (Va. Tech and Purdue) were chosen in order to assess the reproducibility of results from different geographic areas

---Both research centers conducted the trials using identical protocols (methods, materials, treatments, and evaluation parameters)

---The rate of core cultivation closure, as a measure of mechanical stress resistance, was chosen because it could be imposed on the site via the same means and intensity. Further, other stresses (environmental for example) could not be duplicated exactly at two locations. Also, if pre-stress conditioning could be shown to enhance mechanical stress tolerance, reasonable assumptions could be made about other types of stresses.

---Pre-stress conditioning is a management approach used by many to enhance the ability of turfgrasses to handle stresses when they occur. It is a pro-active management strategy which involves the use of bio-stimulants, foliar nutrition, and, at times, plant growth regulators. These substances have been consistently shown to have a positive influence on the ability of turfgrasses to have nutritional soundness, active and balanced hormone/auxin activities, and increased levels of anti-oxidants. In the Virginia Tech and Purdue studies, all the treatments were applied prior to the core cultivation and none after the fact. Therefore, the positive results that occurred in both locations (quicker core cultivation hole closure and higher quality turf) were the result of the material applications that occurred prior to the core cultivation.

---The results of these two trials, which were both quantitative and qualitative and were mimics of each other, confirmed, with significance, that the combination of Floratine products, applied as a pro-active, pre-stress management strategy enhanced the treated turf’s ability to tolerate the mechanical stress and stimulated recovery from it.

The combination of Floratine products provided the necessary ingredients needed by the turf in order for it to function at a metabolic peak when the stress occurred (a classic example of how successful pro-active management can be, rather than re-active, which would be to treat the turf after the stress has occurred). The time has come to manage turfgrasses pro-actively rather than waiting for the turf to exhibit some sign that it is not doing well and in need of help.

Download file
Fungicide Efficacy
Dr. Houston Couch, 1992 - 1993
Products:

Raider TG

Summary:

1992 experimental applications of Raider TG to determine impact on fungicide effectiveness on Penneagle and Penncross bentgrass. Raider increased effectiveness with Banner in first test but no increase in second.

Repeat in 1993 showed increased statistical control in some instances, no statistical differences in others.

Biostimulant Studies
Dr. Richard Schmidt, 1992 - 1993
Products:

Astron

Summary:
  1. Drought resistance and root and topical growth improved on Kentucky Bluegrass.
  2. Wilt recovery improved on Tall Fescue (Rebel 11).
  3. Root development and sod strength improved on Tall Fescue (Rebel Jr.).

UTAH STATE UNIVERSITY

Molecular Studies
Dr. Anne Anderson, et al, 2000 - 2001
Products:

Floradox, Oxyflor, ProteSyn

Summary:
  1. Molecular studies on Floradox effect on defense protein gene transcriptionenhancement in turfgrass. Results positive.
  2. Oxyflor as an agent to deliver increased O2 to rootzone. Results positive.
  3. ProteSyn as an agent to enhance Floradox increased activity of plant immune system. Results inconclusive.

PENN STATE UNIVERSITY

Wilt Stress Prevention With Biostimulants
Mr. George Hamilton, 1995
Products:

Astron, Perk Up, Maxiplex

Summary:

Some indications of higher ratings, but dry wilt procedures not replicative of naturally occurring wilt on golf greens. No statistical differences.

Plant Growth Regulator (Primo Maxx) Biostimulant Activity on Bentgrass
Dr. T. L. Watschke, et al, 2002
Products:

Astron

Summary:

Less height of grass and no increase of clippings when Astron + N used with Primo as compared to Primo Maxx + N.

WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY

OLDS COLLEGE (CANADA)

Addamax-TG Effect on Germination of Kentucky Bluegrass
Dr. M.A. Batten, 1993
Products:

Addamax-TG (Biostimulant seed treatment)

(Note: Addamax was a liquid version of Germinex)

Summary:

Treatments had significant positive effects on plant emergence, height, and early root development.

Prarie Turfgrass Research Center Evaluation of Water & Soil Treatments toImprove Rootzone Permeability on Sand-Based Golf Course
2001
Products:

CalpHlex

Summary:

Study designed to determine benefits of CalpHlex and sulphuric acid treatments on poor water quality and its saline effects on soil and turf. CalpHlex excelled in turf quality (color, density) improvements; significant soil pH, salt indicators (EC, SAR, sodium, chloride), and sulfate and chloride reductions. CalpHlex alone surpassed any benefits seen from sulfuric acid.

NORTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY

Astron Interaction with Turf Growth Regulator (DATA ONLY)
Dr. Fred Yelverton, 2001
Products:

Astron, Primo Maxx, Trimmit

Summary:

Over rating period, Astron had no adverse effect on reduced clippings of either Primo Maxx or Trimmit.

Turf Quality & Rooting
Dr. Rich Cooper, 2003 & 2004
Products:

Biostimulants on university plots and two golf courses

Summary:

Reports for both years showed no statistical improvements on university plots, despite photographic monitoring records indicating substantial rooting improvements and, at times, decreased dollar spot.

UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS

CORNELL UNIVERSITY

UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN

Plant Health Trials/Reduced Nitrogen
Dr. Wayne Kussow, 2002-05
Summary:

Ongoing at O.J. Noer Center and cooperating golf courses. These are comprehensive trials including soil evaluations and amendment to evaluate alternatives to traditional fertilizer applications on turfgrass.

Wetting Agent - Percolation & Water Infiltration
Dr. Wayne Kussow, 2002
Products:

Pervade

Summary:

Pervade increased infiltration 27% and 42% over control. “Pervade is among the most effective products currently available.” - Kussow

Note: Dr. Kussow also validated effectiveness of one of FPG’s key organic components in ProteSyn and Floradox in 1995 tests.

UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA, WASELLA

OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY

SYNGENTA, CANADA

AGRICULTURAL TECHNOLOGIES INC. (CANADA)

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