November 22, 2001

Headstart is a revolutionary biological seed treatment introduced by Advanta and used on some grass mixtures in Advanta's ranges. It can speed up germination by 3 or 4 days and increase field establishment by up to 20%. Headstart helps greenkeepers and groundsmen establish new turf or repair key playing areas especially under time or weather pressure. Headstart can also be used to encourage less aggressive species to establish when they are into competition with more dominant species.

Headstart is a unique non-toxic, organically derived liquid formulation. It is a water soluble seed coating, based on a hormone called cytokinin extracted from a seaweed, enzymes and biostimulants.

Cytokinins promote cell division particularly in rapidly dividing cells as occurs during germination.  Cellulase, alpha amylase and beta amylase are enzymes that help the breakdown of cellulose and the
production of dextrose and maltose, which are naturally present in the germinating seed and are an
essential source of energy. Biostimulants are trace elements added in the chelated form, making them more available to the young seedling for a faster growth. In addition, two water attractant organic complexes are added to draw moisture to the seed and increase seedling vigour.

With Headstart, the seedling emerges faster and stronger. It is more resistant to diseases and less prone to drought stress. Its whole development is accelerated. By using Headstart, germination starts earlier (by 3 or 4 days) and the final establishment can be increased by up to 20%.

Headstart is already available in Advanta amenity grasses' ranges in the following European countries: United Kingdom, France, Germany, The Netherlands, Belgium, Italy, Spain, Portugal and Sweden.