Dollar spot under the spotlight

Dollar spot pressures have been rising year on year – hitting earlier and lasting longer every season. The impacts of climate change and development of potentially more potent strains further increase the risks for turf managers. Syngenta technical manager and dollar spot specialist, Sean Loakes, identifies what creates the conditions for the disease to thrive, and what ITM measures can relieve the pressure that will keep turf clean. 

Learning outcomes: 

• Recognise the risk factors for dollar spot 
• Understand why the pathogen is getting more severe 
• Develop an ITM programme to prevent damage 
• Create a long‑term strategy to tackle disease 

Presented by:

Sean Loakes

Technical Manager - Europe Syngenta

Sean Loakes is Technical Manager for Syngenta Turf across Europe.

He provides technical support for all Syngenta products used by turf and landscape businesses and their customers. His role includes research trials to develop practical solutions for turf management issues and instigate best practice to achieve optimum results.

With the increasing importance of biopesticides within integrated turf management (ITM) programmes, he plays a key role in developing new strategies to meet the evolving challenges for customers using a full range of cultural and chemical controls.

A qualified biologist, Sean has had a career in environmental science and research through practical field trials and laboratory studies. He works alongside the Syngenta technical turf teams from Europe and across the globe to identify and develop new world-leading solutions from the company’s exciting pipeline of R&D products and services for UK landscape industries.