Following a successful trial, Sportsturf Management’s owner Jamie Foyster is exclusively using Limagrain’s MM50 grass seed across every cricket square.
Jamie joined Sportsturf Management in 2008, taking sole ownership of the business in 2012, when he became acquainted with Limagrain UK.
“I wasn’t happy with my existing supplier, as the seed wasn’t performing as I wanted it to,” he says. “We had an incredibly wet season and in the autumn I trialled MM50 on two cricket squares. It was apparent that the germination rate, the development and the root density was fantastic. However, the real test came in the summer of the following year, and the wear tolerance and the recovery rate was superb. Since then I have converted all my squares to MM50.”
MM50 possesses exceptional shoot density along with tolerance to close mowing making it particularly suitable for cricket squares. This superior mix contains the perennial ryegrass cultivars, Venice, Alison and Malibu, which are renowned for providing a great sward for cricket use. As Jamie reports, other key features of MM50 include fast recovery from wear and damage and high disease resistance.
Limagrain is a major supporter of research partnerships with universities and institutes.
“Products and technology have come such a long way in the past decade,” says Jamie. “For example, look at germination rates now compared to a few years ago. In this respect, I would have to single out HEADSTART® GOLD seed coating.”
MM50 is treated with HEADSTART® GOLD, Limagrain’s unique seaweed based seed treatment which helps to ensure rapid and even germination. This tried and tested grass seed treatment helps the seed get off to the best possible start, making it ideal to use in the less than favourable conditions that can sometimes be found on cricket pitches during renovations.
Jamie adds: “Others have seen how well MM50 has performed on our squares. I recommend MM50 all the time and quite a lot of clubs and schools I know of have switched to it. It’s just a tremendous package all round from Limagrain. Richard Sheppard (Amenity Seed Sales Specialist) will often come and see me, to see how everything is going and offer advice and support. I don’t even have to ask for that but it is a great service to have.”
www.lgseeds.co.uk/amenity.