FTD’s ‘mode of action’ is for the Bacillus spp to produce enzymes that breakdown the cellulose content of the decaying plant, being partially fed by the biostimulant content in the product and slowly releasing further nutrients.

At the same time, the fungal species decay the lignified matter, to break it down further and feed off the by-products, all of which reduces the thatch and opens up the rooting zone.

The carefully selected strains of beneficial bacterial and fungi that make up the ‘core consortia’ of microorganisms, also include Bacillus subtilis, B. licheniformis and Trichoderma reesei, which also assist in developing strong microbial communities in the rootzone, benefiting plant-soil interaction and so more efficient nutrient uptake.

In addition to thatch control, this product can also be used monthly, especially if the turf has persistent problems with weak roots, nematodes and different turf diseases like phytium, rhizotonia and fusarium.

When applied monthly, the incorporated bacteria and beneficial fungi will act to strengthen the plant and promote a healthy soil life which in turn will help the turf plant to develop stronger roots so better withstand a range of diseases and perform better overall.

Thatch-Less® is a registered trademark belonging to E. Marker A/S.

See the video on "how to correctly use the product" on YouTube.

Read about how to control organic matter and thatch on Turf Corner.
The bacteria and fungi combined produce high levels of enzymes that convert cellulose and hemicelluloses to glucose which is then available as a growth substrate for the microflora in the soil.

Similarly, lignin is biodegraded into sugars and acetic acid, which is also beneficial as a food source for soil microorganisms.

A full range of enzymes is produced naturally by the fungi and bacteria in TourTurf® Thatch-Less® FTD for the partial or entire degradation of thatch and organic matter. For cellulose and hemicellulose breakdown, the following enzymes: endocellulases, exo-cellulases, exo-cellobiohydrolase, cellobiase, endo-1, 4-beta-glucanase, hemicellulase, and xylanases are produced by the bacteria and fungi.

The enzymes produced by the fungi and bacteria for the breakdown of lignin include laccases, peroxidases, and cellobiose dehydrogenases.

Thatch, is a layer of dead and living shoots, grass stems, and roots that accumulate just below the sports turf surface. According to turf agronomists a sports turf surface with too much organic matter is prone to soft conditions, ball marks, inconsistent green speed, and a lot of agronomic problems like disease, poor water infiltration and poor fertiliser efficiency.

The accelerated degradation of thatch leads to stronger roots and as a result noticeably stronger and healthier plants.

Use the product as a stand-alone or preferably together with regular aeration, coring and topdressing. For best results combine TourTurf® Thatch-Less® FTD with our liquid enzyme product TourTurf® Thatch-Less® ETD. The combination of the two products helps to see effects more quickly and consistently under varying environmental situations.

TourTurf® Thatch-Less® ETD supplies enzymes immediately to start the degrading processes. The breakdown products are now available to the bacteria and fungi contained in TourTurf® Thatch-Less® FTD, enabling them to produce more specific enzymes.

Read more about the multiple advantages of microbes to turf, in our article on Turf Corner.