MaintainPlant Protection Product ComparisonPlant Protection Product ComparisonReport inaccuraciesReport inaccuracies

A micro-emulsion formulation containing 120 g/l of trinexapac-ethyl A plant growth regulator for the management of grass growth in amenity grassland and managed amenity turf.

DIRECTIONS FOR USE
Important: This information is approved as part of the product label. All instructions within this section should be read carefully in order to obtain safe and successful use of this product.

Restrictions
MAINTAIN may cause a temporary yellowing of the turf. This usually passes within a week of application. A form of readily available nitrogen (such as Headland Vertex Hi-N 34) should be applied to minimise yellowing and enhance the green colour of the turf.
The long-term effect of this product on turf density or sward composition has not been assessed. At the highest does of 3.2 l/ha, some transient grass thinning may be seen, which is quickly outgrown.
The reduction in growth resulting from treatment with this product may favour the development of Red Thread disease.
The safety to other plants of composted mowings or mowings used for mulch has not been assessed so these uses should be avoided.
Do not use MAINTAIN on newly-sown turf
Do not use MAINTAIN in a re-seeding programme
Some darkening of turf may follow after treatment and some discoloration including paling or scorch may occur to Annual Meadow Grass. Care should be taken if Annual Meadow Grass forms an important part of the sward.
Do not overspray desired non-target plants either in or around the treated turf as damage may occur. Avoid spray drift on to desired plant species
Signs of damage may appear if treated turf is suffering from stress as a result of drought, nutrient deficiency or pest or disease attack but such signs pass quite quickly. Avoid spray drift onto desired plant species.

Notes on Application
This product is used as a management aid in amenity grassland and managed amenity turf to reduce the frequency of mowings and the amount of clippings by reducing the growth of the grass. It is suitable for use on all well-maintained turf-grass areas
Treated grass should be adequately fertilised and not suffering from drought or other stress for best results
The product is absorbed through the leaves of the grass and is rain-fast within 6 hours of application
The effects of treatment will be influenced by the management and cultural practices in use. In situations where turf growth is excessive such as where high rates of fertiliser have been used or during flushes of growth, application rates of MAINTAIN may need to be increased by up to 50% to provide an adequate period of growth control (see ‘Rates of Application’ below).
Similarly, rates may need to be reduced by up to 50% in cases where the turf is under stress due to nutrient shortage or drought or other adverse factors
At the recommended rates of application, MAINTAIN can be expected to reduce the fresh weight of grass clippings of up to 35% and provide a height reduction of up to 20% over a period of up to 4 weeks.
Note: This product is not a weedkiller. If control of broadleaved weeds in the turf is necessary, this should be done before the application of MAINTAIN.

Timing of Applications
Apply the product to actively growing turf. If the turf is going into dormancy due to moisture stress or in high temperatures, reduce the rate of application. Adequate soil moisture is important for best results and to avoid damage to the turf. Do not apply if rain is expected within 6 hours, or during periods of frost.
MAINTAIN will provide more suppression when turf is maintained at lower mowing heights.
To minimise possible turf discoloration, apply the product 4 hours before mowing, or alternatively, mow first and apply at least 1 hour later
Applications may be repeated when turf growth resumes or if more supression is required up to a maximum of 16 litres of product per hectare per year. The usual management practices for maintaining high quality turf should be continued after application.
The above rates should provide up to 35% suppression of turf growth under good growing conditions, for 4 weeks with minimal yellowing. Where yellowing of Annual Meadowgrass is a concern, use half the above rates.
Apply in sufficient water to give uniform and thorough cover of the turfgrass (normally 200-400 litres of water/ha or equivalent).

Application Methods
Apply with a knapsack sprayer, hand-held sprayer, horizontal boom sprayer or spray-gun. Ensure that the sprayer is cleaned from any previous use.
Charge the sprayer with half the required volume of water. Add the correct quantity of MAINTAIN to the tank. Complete the filling with the rest of the water, with agitation and apply without delay. Do not allow the spray mixture to stand without agitation. Use the mixture on the day of mixing.
Thoroughly wash all spraying equipment immediately after use.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Operator Protection
Engineering control of operator exposure must be used where reasonably practicable in addition to the following personal protective equipment:
WEAR SUITABLE PROTECTIVE GLOVES when handling the concentrate or applying by hand-held equipment However, engineering controls may replace personal protective equipment if a CoSHH assessment shows they provide an equal or higher standard of protection.
WASH HANDS AND EXPOSED SKIN before meals and after work.