Synergies with PGRs can be realized with certain tank mixes. Manufacturers are marketing combination products, including type a IIA plus type IIB PGR combination product.

Boosting application frequency could generate better results for superintendents already trying PGRs on a limited basis. They can be woven into pest management strategies as well because many PGRs provide some Poa annua control and seedhead suppression (visit the Journal of Applied Turfgrass Science [ http://www.plantmanagementnetwork.org/] for studies on PGRs' efficacy of Poa suppression). Of course, overall healthier turf reduces disease risk and insect damage, too. With pesticide regulation and water issues cited as turf managers' most prominent challenges, manufacturers say there is a promising environmental angle that can be communicated with members and realized in maintenance practices.

Less mowing and trimming can save fuel as well as labor resources. And the fewer emissions can be measured and communicated with members and the media. (Visit http://www.carbonfootprint.com/companies.html to calculate carbon emissions for your golf course. After a baseline has been set, superintendents can gauge how maintenance practices might influence carbon emissions).

"Reducing mowing, trimming, plant water consumption and clipping waste can provide considerable additive benefits," Storey says.

Their myriad benefits mean that they're catching on, and business is good for PGR makers, which includes a few new players since trinexapac-ethyl's patent expired last year. Several post-patent options now exist, making it likely that more golf courses will try them.

"With the event of post-patent products entering the market, the amount used and the type of golf course [using PGRs] is shifting," says Russ Mitchell, marketing director for Quali-Pro. "Lower costs per acre will allow lower-budget courses to use PGRs, which make for tighter turf and typically a better root system and less scalping. Moderate and higher-budget courses will be able to expand their uses of PGRs either in total acreage or number of applications per year."

A few new formulations are expected to hit the market this year as well. SePRO is working on a type IIA and type IIB combination product. Other combination products, including PGRs on fertilizers, are expected to take better root in the industry as well. Wider adoption and more products have manufacturers optimistic about the future of PGRs from a business perspective.

"This is a growing category," Storey says. "Superintendents are seeing a real value proposition because of the wide range of benefits turf growth regulators provide."