Wetting Agent Comparison Study

Texas A&M University's Turfgrass Field Laboratory in College Station is one of nine geographically-diverse sites across the U.S. where the GCSAA conducted a recent study of wetting agent products.

The Golf Course Superintendents Association of America has completed an evaluation of selected wetting agents. For several years, superintendents had expressed a desire for data to help them make product decisions. In response, the association's research committee decided to evaluate products used by superintendents that currently receive limited evaluation in university trials.

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Superintendents use wetting agents to address many different problems on the golf course, including heavy morning dew. Other superintendents and maintenance workers use the products in commercial and residential settings to eliminate dry spots and uneven color.

Symptoms of localized dry spots are roughly circular patches of tan-colored, drought-stressed turf 12 inches to several feet in diameter. Turf within the localized dry spots may thin out over time, and, in severe cases, portions of the turf may die. Localized dry spots are most severe during periods of extended high temperatures and dry weather.

Recommended treatments for managing dry spots include cultivation of localized dry spots to increase water penetration, hand watering to increase soil moisture content, and preventive and/or curative application of wetting agents

The study evaluates products at nine sites across the U.S. The wetting agents include those sold under the names Aqueduct, Brilliance, Cascade Plus, Hydro-Wet, LescoFlo, Naiad, Primer Select, Respond 2, Surfside 37 and TriCure.

Complete results are available at the GCSAA web site:

https://www.gcsaa.org/GCM/2005/april05/04Re.asp