Duo technology is based on salicylic acid and gives improved seed germination, root volume and increased stress and disease tolerance. It is incorporated in our Vertmax Duo turf pigment and grass colorant. It is also being trialled as an additive in a new range of innovative soil wetting agents. Both salicylic acid and Phthalocyanine green have turf health benefits. Salicylic acid has been used for hundreds of years as "witch hazel" and in plants helps increase stress tolerance to drought and disease. It is commonly found in aspirin but you would need to dissolve over 150 aspirin in a litre of water to get the equivalent rate of this product. Phthalocyanine green is used as a grass colourant and turf pigment but has the property of being able to filter out damaging light that can be detrimental to turfgrass in the summer months. In combination these products have been found to increase lateral root growth and stress tolerance on turfgrass plus increase germination rate.

1. 2023 The development of Duo
turf health technology
How we developed a turfgrass health additive

3. The problem
Company
Gilba Solutions established
by Jerry Spencer in 2013
as Sydney based
independent turf
consultants. We focus on
the turf and amenity
market. Their aim is to
provide the best solution
and not simply to supply
product.
Context
Globally there is a push
away from hard
chemistry. Many
“alternatives” are not
supported by
independent or replicable
trial work.
Problem statement
To develop a range of
turfgrass specific
products that boost
turfgrass health and
improve root growth and
stress resistance.

4. Challenges deep-dive
Turf pigment
● Non staining
● Long lasting
● Easy to use
● Natural colour
● Improves root growth
● Fights against stress
● Tank compatible
● Spreads on the leaf
easily
● Economical
Soil wetting agent
● Retains water
● Helps even flow of
water through the
profile
● Helps counter disease
● Improves stress
tolerance
● Improves root growth
● Economical

5. Solution
The Duo Range
A range of additives proven to
stimulate stress and disease
resistance and improve root growth
in turfgrass. All supported by
scientific trials and data.

6. Development Schedule

7. 2020
2020 Development
stats on Vertmax Duo
a turf pigment plus
biostimulant
2021
Vertmax Duo launched
in Australia. Becomes
the product of choice
for many venues
April 2023
After trials at Arsenal
FC, Fulham FC, and
Cloke Park European
and UK licensing
agreement signed
June 2023
Year 1 of soil wetting agent trial
completed using innovative soil
wetter incorporating “Duo”
technology
September
2023
Year 2 of soil wetting
agent trial to commence
focusing on plant health
and disease suppression

10. Results
Root depth and root area in
creeping bentgrass.
Treatment C
is Vertmax Duo

11. Results
Better and more vigorous seed
germination

12. Soil wetting
agent plus Duo
technology
Gilba Solutions are independent
turf consultants