The Drive to Strive

Last year, we discussed the components of a sound disease management program, which included fungicide chemical class rotation to cover your primary risks of disease fungicide resistance. We also discussed how every chemical class has its strengths and weaknesses, and how as a turf manager you must understand all the factors that influence fungus proliferation as you try to effectively manage and develop a sound preventative program. 

The UPI fungicide portfolio is well diversified with 12 different fungicide products that cover many different fungicide classes. UPI is one of the few manufacturers that carries multiple contact fungicides in their arsenal of product offerings. Pegasus® (chlorothalonil) is a chloronitrile class funigicide, which comes in both a 6L formulation and a DFX formulation that has a green pigment inside. Manzate is a carbamate class fungicide and also comes in two formulations; Manzate® Max is a 4-pound liquid mancozeb formulation and Manzate® Prostick T&O is a 75 DF formulation. Two additional contacts that UPI has are Cuprofix® Ultra 40 Disperss®, which is a patented copper-based fungicide for algae control and Microthiol® Disperss®, which is a patented micronized sulfur-based fungicide used to suppress soil-borne patch diseases, as well as rusts and powdery mildews.

UPI’s portfolio also boasts a wide array of acropetal penetrants, localized penetrants and systemics, as well. 

At the top of this list is one of the most powerful combinations around, Goliath™ XP, which is an azoxystrobin – propiconazole combo (QOI and DMI) that covers 24 turf diseases. Two other multi-action combo products offered are Dovetail®, combining thiophanate methyl and iprodione (a benzimidazole plus a dicarboxamide), as well as the soon to be introduced Dexter™ Max Xcel, which combines azoxystrobin, tebuconazole, and mancozeb (a QOI, a DMI, and a carbamate). UPI also offers two straight DMI products in Kestrel® MEX (propiconazole) and Tebuzol® 3.6F (tebuzonazole). 

Covering the dicarboxamide class, UPI has Raven® 2F, which is an iprodione-based fungicide. In the benzamidizole class, UPI has T-Bird® 4.5L, which is a thiophanate-methyl based fungicide. 

Last is Vireo® MEC, which is an extremely cost effective metalaxyl-based pythium control product falling into the benzenoid class of chemistry. 
   
The United States is going through a challenging period within our industry with regards to supply. While the Chinese environmental clean-up initiatives continue to impact many manufacturing company’s abilities to consistently supply certain core products due to systematic inspections that are resulting in plant closures, production limitations, and such, it is UPI’s goal to do whatever they can to bridge that gap over time. 

We are diligently working to expand our production capacities and working to minimize our dependency on China inerts and technicals, that have put a strangle hold on the supply of many commonly used molecules. UPI remains committed to continuing to strive to produce high quality, post patent products at fair and reasonable prices for the golf course industry. 

For more information on UPI Professional Solution control products, please visit www.UPI-USA.com.