Quali-Pro® Marvel-ous: Great Chemistry that has delivered
Registered for a broad range of warm- and cool-season turf species and surfaces, Marvel-ous gives managers the flexibility to use one PGR across their facility. Beyond reducing mowing and edging, a well-managed program can support turf quality, density and durability and may help reduce irrigation demand in some situations.
With 625 g/L trinexapac-ethyl, Marvel-ous delivers powerful growth regulation at approximately one-fifth of the application volume of comparable 120 g/L MEC formulations. That means less product to handle and store, fewer containers to dispose of and a convenient, versatile product for the chemical shed.
A powerful formulation with a small footprint
Marvel-ous contains 625 g/L trinexapac-ethyl in a micro-emulsion concentrate (MEC) formulation. Its high concentration means a little goes a long way, with lower product volumes required per application than comparable trinexapac-ethyl products.
The advantage is straightforward: less storage space, fewer containers to handle and less packaging to dispose of. The 1 L dual-chamber pack also makes it easier to measure the small quantities required.
The formulation is petroleum-solvent-free and designed to mix readily with water. Over the past few seasons, the feedback and results we have seen in the field have reinforced our confidence in its performance.
One observation that has stood out is the level of turf safety. In our experience, Marvel-ous has caused less visible phytotoxicity than some other trinexapac-ethyl formulations under comparable field conditions. As with any PGR, the result will depend on the turf species, application rate, growing conditions and tank-mix partners, but the formulation has proven to be a comfortable fit across a broad range of managed turf situations.
More than just less mowing
Most turf managers understand the immediate benefit of a PGR: slowing vertical growth and reducing the amount of mowing required. During periods of strong growth, that can make a significant difference to labour, fuel, equipment wear and the time available to complete other important work.
Marvel-ous works by inhibiting the production of gibberellic acid, a plant hormone involved in cell elongation. By slowing vertical shoot growth, it helps turf managers maintain a more consistent playing or presentation surface between mowing operations.
The recommended label rates are designed to provide a 20–50% reduction in clippings over a two- to six-week period, although the result will vary with growing conditions, the rate applied and the management program.
But for Turf Managers, the benefits go beyond the mower. A well-managed PGR program can help produce a denser, more uniform turf surface with improved colour and support the development of lateral growth and root mass. That can contribute to a healthier, more durable turf sward and help managers maintain quality through periods when the plant is under pressure.
There can also be water management benefits. By managing excessive growth and supporting turf condition, a PGR program may help turf managers make better use of available moisture and, in some situations, reduce irrigation demand. The extent of any saving will depend on the turf, weather, soil and irrigation practices, so it is important to continue monitoring the site and irrigating according to its needs.
One product across the facility
One of the most practical aspects of Marvel-ous is that it is registered for use on a wide range of warm- and cool-season turf species and surfaces.
That includes turf managed at different heights and for different purposes—from closely mown bentgrass and couch greens through to fairways, sports fields, lawns and general grassed areas. Registered species include common and hybrid couch, kikuyu, Queensland blue couch, buffalo, zoysia, carpetgrass, bentgrass, fescues and perennial ryegrass, among others.
For a golf course superintendent or turf manager responsible for several different areas, that versatility can simplify purchasing, storage and planning. You have one formulation that can be used across the facility, with the rate adjusted to suit the turf species, surface and level of growth regulation required.
That flexibility also makes Marvel-ous a useful option for contractors and councils managing a variety of sites. Reducing excessive growth along edges, around trees and posts, and in other difficult-to-mow areas can make a real difference to the time spent on routine maintenance.
A valuable tank-mix partner
Another area where Marvel-ous has impressed us is its ability to fit into existing spray programs.
The MEC formulation mixes readily with water and can be used alongside a range of pesticides and liquid fertilisers where the products and their labels allow. For a busy turf manager, the ability to combine compatible applications can reduce the number of spray passes and help make better use of time and equipment.
In our field experience, Marvel-ous has been an excellent tank-mix partner. That said, no formulation can guarantee compatibility with every possible combination. Water quality, product choice, mixing order and the number of products in the tank can all influence the final result. Check the relevant labels and carry out a jar test when trying an unfamiliar mix.
It is also worth paying attention to products that can add to the growth regulation effect. Some fungicides, particularly those in the DMI group, can have their own PGR activity. Where these are used together, the Marvel-ous rate and the condition of the turf should be considered carefully to avoid over-regulation.
Getting the most from your PGR program
As with any growth regulator, the best results come from matching the program to the turf and the conditions.
Growth regulation will vary with temperature, moisture, nutrition, mowing and the natural growth rate of the turf. Where growth is slowing because of high or low temperatures or a lack of moisture, consider the lower end of the labelled rate range. It is also important to avoid applying when the turf needs to recover quickly, such as following renovation.
We also encourage turf managers to consider using a growing degree day (GDD) calculator to help guide repeat applications. Rather than relying solely on a fixed calendar interval, GDD can help match the timing of applications to the growing conditions. This can reduce the risk of applications being made too close together or too far apart, helping provide more consistent regulation and avoid an unwanted rebound in growth.
Because Marvel-ous is highly concentrated, accurate measurement and sprayer calibration are particularly important, especially on small or closely mown areas.
A product that has delivered
When we first introduced Marvel-ous, our aim was to give turf managers a high-strength, versatile PGR that could be used with confidence across a wide range of surfaces. After two to three seasons in the field, the product has delivered on that promise—and, in many situations, exceeded what we expected.
The combination of strong growth regulation, good turf safety, tank-mix flexibility and a compact formulation makes Marvel-ous an excellent choice for turf managers looking to improve efficiency while maintaining quality turf.
For Us at ADAMA, what makes this product stand out. It helps manage growth, supports turf health and gives turf managers more flexibility to focus on the many other demands of maintaining a high-quality surface.
Always read and follow the current product label before use. Product performance, turf response and potential water savings will vary according to local conditions and management practices.
Media Contact:
Cam Stuart | General Manager - Non-Crop | E: Cameron.stuart@adama.com