Dichlobenil, the last remaining biocide used to control rooted submerged plants, will be withdrawn on 18 March to comply with EU directives.

With it, the range of products available to greenkeepers charged with the upkeep and maintenance of water hazards will be more limited than ever before.

In response to this ban, British industrial colours specialist Town End has developed Dyofix, a non-toxic algae prevention and inhibitor product which uses blends of European Food Safety Approved colours. Town End says Dyofix works by reflecting UV light away from the base of the pond, effectively eliminating the life source of nutrients present beneath the surface of the water and stopping the growth of submerged weeds and algae. 

Director Peter Watson said: “This ban officially marks the end of chemical use in ponds and lakes, and our products offer an environmentally-friendly and chemical-free alternative to an unsightly and often hazardous problem. Not only can algae pose health risks to humans, aquatic animals and livestock, it is unsightly, reduces water clarity and blocks filters and pumps. Our inhibitors don’t kill algae, but they do prevent growth, allowing the algae to either sink or be scooped off the surface of the pond.”  

The Dyofix products – Pond Blue and Lake Shadow – are free of pesticides, algaecides. They don’t have a chemical reaction or interaction to attack submerged plants and/or algae; instead they have a mechanical reaction with the water to create a UV reflector, and so don’t pose any threat to golfers retrieving balls. One kilo of Pond Blue will treat up to 10,000,000 litres of pond water.  

Lake Shadow has been developed for customers who require a more subtle colourless effect. Once applied, both products will last for several months, and can be used all year round.