AMVAC Chemical releases AUTILUS (Mar 19)

March 19, 2015 – AMVAC Chemical Corp., a business unit of American Vanguard Corp., has introduced AUTILUS turf fungicide, a new product that can be used to control anthracnose on golf course putting greens, tees and fairways.

Anthracnose is particularly destructive to high maintenance golf course turf, developing as foliar blight or basal rot. Over the years, the disease has developed resistance to a number of important fungicide classes. AUTILUS, which is a Group 14 fungicide that has contact activity and provides a multi-site mode of action, provides a resistance management tool for golf course superintendents to use in their anthracnose management program.

AUTILUS is a PCNB fungicide that provides excellent control of anthracnose on putting green turf consisting of annual bluegrass and/or creeping bentgrass. PCNB forms a protective zone around plants, thus protecting them from disease infection.

The new use of this classic fungicide is due, in part, to research conducted at Penn State University, beginning in 2013. Field trials conducted during 2014 by leading university and private researchers confirmed that AUTILUS is an effective tool for the control of anthracnose.

“AUTILUS is highly effective in controlling a disease (anthracnose) that has developed resistance to fungicide products from a variety of classes,” explained Chuck Silcox, Ph.D., Product Development Manager, AMVAC Environmental Products. “Used in an early application at a low rate, AUTILUS takes advantage of a different mode of action to help control this disease, serving as an important component in an anthracnose resistance management program.”

Treatment recommendations for anthracnose include 6 fluid ounces of AUTILUS mixed with 0.6 fluid ounces of Torque and 0.37 fluid ounces of Par pigment. This should be applied to turfgrass that is well established, actively growing and not under excessive heat, moisture or drought stress.

Suggested times for AUTILUS application include one application in May through early June and one or two applications in late August through October. If multiple applications are made during this latter time, they should be at least four weeks apart. Always read and follow label directions.

In addition to a fungicide program, other turf management techniques that help reduce the incidence of anthracnose include proper nitrogen fertilization, increased mowing height combined with green rolling to maintain ball roll distances, plant growth regulators, irrigation, topdressing and cultivation.

“We are proud to add AUTILUS to the lineup of products we offer for all aspects of the green industry,” noted Jeff Alvis, Business Manager, AMVAC Environmental Products. “We strive to provide the best products and service to the industry, whether it’s on the turf or in the clubhouse.

The introduction of AUTILUS is an excellent example of how we are continuing to add value to our product line up.”

For more information on AUTILUS and additional products for all sections of the golf property offered by AMVAC, visit amvac-chemical.com, or contact your local AMVAC representative.