4/16/2026 - By Syngenta

We all know that healthy turf begins below ground with balanced soil conditions and a deep, dense root system. This is why root diseases like take-all root rot, mini ring, and Pythium root rot are a major problem for many turf managers. For example, the vast majority of diseases diagnosed on bermudagrass and creeping bentgrass by the NC State Turf Diagnostics Lab are caused by root-infecting fungi.

Root parasites like sting, lance, and root knot nematodes also pose a threat when present in damaging numbers. Not only do they cause direct damage to the roots through their feeding and burrowing activity, but the open wounds they leave behind can be more prone to infection by root diseases. A holistic approach to nematode and fungal disease management is therefore key to maximizing turf root growth.

Introducing Trefinti nematicide/fungicide

Trefinti® nematicide/fungicide is a valuable new tool in the quest for healthier roots. Trefinti contains TYMIRIUM® technology - the first active ingredient specifically designed to perform as both a nematicide and a fungicide – providing turf managers broad-spectrum root protection with a single active ingredient.

Nematode Control with Trefinti

Trefinti controls the most common nematodes that damage turf roots, including sting, lance, and root knot.

Rates as low as 3.8 fl oz/acre provide excellent sting nematode control.

The 7.6 fl oz/acre rate is recommended for optimal root-knot nematode control.

Repeat applications can be made as needed when populations are above threshold values. The minimum application interval is 14 days, and the annual maximum is 15.2 fl oz/acre of Trefinti.

Lance nematodes are especially difficult to control and have become a widespread issue in golf course putting greens in recent years.

Spot-treatment rates of Trefinti at 3.8 fl oz/10,000 ft2 have been most effective and can be applied to golf course greens, tees, and fairways up to four times per year.

Improved Rooting via Lance Nematode Control

The Dormie Club, West End, North Carolina. 'Penn A-1/A-4' creeping bentgrass putting greens. Treatments applied June 5, July 3, Sept. 23, and Oct. 21, 2024, and April 3 and April 30, 2025. Watered-in immediately with 1/8" of irrigation. Photos taken in June.

Disease Control with Trefinti

Trefinti excels at controlling spring dead spot, mini-ring, and take-all root rot, the most common root diseases in bermudagrass and other warm-season grasses.

The 3.8 fl oz/acre rate provides excellent spring dead spot control, as effective as current standards like Posterity® Forte fungicide.

For optimal mini-ring and take-all rot control, the 7.6 fl oz/acre rate is recommended.

The spot-treatment rate of 3.8 fl oz/10,000 ft2 may also be applied for mini-ring and take-all root rot control as outlined in this 2(ee) recommendation.

Mini-Ring Control in ‘Tifeagle’ Bermudagrass

Mini-Ring Control in 'Tifeagle' Bermudagrass

Application Tips

Trefinti applications should be watered-in immediately with at least 1/8” of irrigation to move the active ingredient into the root system where it needs to be for best results.

A soil surfactant such as Fleet® is recommended to ensure Trefinti reaches its target depth. Soil surfactants can be tank-mixed with Trefinti or applied separately.

Incorporating Trefinti into a Program Approach

Trefinti is broadly compatible with other plant protection products and fertilizers, so it is easy to incorporate into your existing program. In creeping bentgrass and annual bluegrass turf, it is often recommended to tank-mix Trefinti with Briskway® or Headway® fungicides to control summer patch and take-all patch or with Subdue Maxx® to control Pythium root rot. To see examples of how Trefinti can be incorporated into your program, visit Greencastonline.com to view Agronomic Programs and search by state and grass species.

Where nematode pressure is very high, Trefinti should be used in a program approach with Divanem® nematicide/miticide for resistance management and broader-spectrum nematode control.

To help grow healthy roots, consider incorporating protection products like those mentioned above with your soil health and moisture management program. Harrell’s offers the most comprehensive root and soil health portfolio with products such as EarthMAX, Mycorrhizae Pro, Azo Root, and Seaweed A+E, among many others – all tested and proven to help your turf grow healthy, strong root systems. Reach out to your Harrell’s territory manager to find a program that works best for your needs.

Learn More

To learn more about Trefinti, watch the GCSAA Webinar Uncover the Hidden Threats: Nematode Management by Dr. Billy Crow of the University of Florida and Dr. Lane Tredway from Syngenta.

© 2026 Syngenta. Important: Always read and follow label instructions. Some products may not be registered for sale or use in all states or counties and/or may have state-specific use requirements. Please check with your local extension service to ensure registration and proper use. Divanem is a restricted use Pesticide. Briskway®, Divanem®, GreenCast®, Headway®, Posterity®, Subdue Maxx®, Trefinti, TYMIRIUM®, and the Syngenta logo are trademarks or service marks of a Syngenta Group Company. All other trademarks are the property of their respective third-party owners.