Algae Aid Algaecide 5L

Algae Aid Algaecide is a turf, ornamental and general-purpose algaecide containing 142.5g/L Quaternary Ammonium Compound.

It is registered for the control of algae (cyanobacteria) and mould in golf courses, bowling greens and sports turf areas, as well as on hard surfaces such as golf courses and nursery greenhouse floors.

Algae Aid is biodegradable, completely water soluble and a low burn algaecide. Used as directed, the residues of this product are biodegraded by normal soil microorganism populations efficiently in the soil environment.

Key Features and Benefits of Algae Aid Algaecide

• Strong activity on algae and cyanobacteria. Will control algae effectively and efficiently.
• Chlorine-free formulation. Low burn potential.
• Environmentally safe, biodegradable and completely water soluble.
• Non-corrosive to equipment, structures, growing areas and most importantly is not harmful to plants when applied at recommended rates.
• Reduces reliance and overuse of fungicidal-based products for algae control in turf.
• APVMA-approved product – credible formulation & proven activity.
• Also safe for use on Synthetic grass surfaces.

Algae Management in Turf

Algae that cause algae crust problems in turf are not the typical aquatic algal species found in streams and lakes. They are cyanobacteria (blue green)— terrestrial organisms that can survive in aquatic and also in “near aquatic” habitats on land. Cyanobacteria synthesize and secrete large quantities of polysaccharides from their cells. This protective coating enables them to withstand stress brought about by lack of water and high temperatures. Cyanobacteria species commonly observed in turf are Oscillatoria, Phormidium and Lynbya.

Key growth requirements for algae (Cyanobacteria) are as follows:

• Wet soil environments
• Compacted, poorly drained soils
• Warm summer temperatures
• Ample supplies of Phosphorus and Nitrogen. Phosphorus, especially, promotes rapid growth and the formation of surface crusts by cyanobacteria.

Growth of filamentous cyanobacteria may be so rapid that the filamentous layers of slime out-compete turfgrass growth during the hot summer months. The first appearance of Cyanobacteria growth on greens typically occurs during the summer months as a dark slime on the surface of the green. Initially these spots may be difficult to observe, but as they get larger the turf begins to yellow and thin due to a lack of oxygen and drainage under the crust (which resembles a microscopically interwoven mat). It has been reported that Cyanobacteria release toxins that stifle plant growth competition around it.

Algae Management in Nursery Production

Algae is found in nearly every greenhouse, nursery and sometimes even landscapes where ornamental plants are produced. Algae grows wherever we have supplied it with excess water and nutrients. It can be found on pots, potting media surfaces, soil, benches, walkways and even all over plant leaves and stems. Algae are a nuisance due to worker health risk (slipping), becomes a challenge to plant nutrition as they utilise water and fertiliser meant for plant growth, and an irrigation issue because a dense algal mat can make water penetration very difficult to achieve. They are reported to be used as a food source for some insect pests including fungus gnats.

Algae in the General Environment

Algae are a diverse group of organisms. They can grow in virtually any environment that has carbon dioxide, sunlight, minerals, and enough water. The limiting factor in algae growth is often sunlight or minerals. When sunlight is limited, some kinds of algae have the ability to take in organic substances, like plant matter and utilize it as a food source. As a result of this, algal species are very common in the general environment and control maybe required in pools, spa’s and therapeutic pools, in Street scapes and public areas, piggeries, hatcheries and dairies or on walls, floors, tiles, hard surfaces including concrete and pathways. The ‘Quaternary Ammonium’ technology in Algae Aid is versatile, easy to use, effective, non-persistent and possesses santiser like activity that fits well into these situations.