Turf Weeds at Virginia Tech

Turf Weeds was developed to provide weed management information and newsearch reports to turfgrass managers. This site contains information on weed identification, chemical and cultural management of weeds, and current topics relevant to weed management in lawns and professional turf. Turf Weeds was created by Dr. Shawn Askew, Assistant Professor of Turfgrass Weed Science at Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University.

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Control and Suppression of Bermudagrass in Kentucky Bluegrass Turf

Description:
Author:	J. B. Beam, S. D. Askew, E. H. Ervin, and X. Zhang
Author Org:	Virginia Tech
Date:	09/24/2005
Presenter:	J. B. Beam, S. D. Askew, E. H. Ervin, and X. Zhang
Conference:	Virginia Tech Turfgrass and Landscape Field Day
Location:	Blacksburg, VA
File Formats:
Abstract:	Bermudagrass is an aggressive warm-season turfgrass that spreads by stolons, rhizomes, and seeds. Once bermudagrass is established in Kentucky bluegrass, it is difficult to control, and changes turf color and quality. Extension recommendations for control of bermudagrass in any cool-season grass include applications of a non-selective herbicide followed by reseeding. Therefore, suppressing bermudagrass growth as to contain its spread within an area (i.e., not letting it move into Kentucky bluegrass areas) would be beneficial to turfgrass professionals. In previous trials, Prograss™, Cutless™, and Tupersan™ have suppressed bermudagrass without injuring surrounding turfgrass species. Fusilade™ and Acclaim Extra™ are registered for control of bermudagrass, however, effects on Kentucky bluegrass are rate dependant. Turflon™ has activity on warm-season grasses and mixtures of Turflon™ with other herbicides may increase efficacy on bermudagrass. Mesotrione and isoxaflutole are experimental herbicides that have shown selectivity for warm-season grasses. Finding the rate of Fusilade™, Acclaim Extra™, Turflon™, Turflon™ + Acclaim Extra™, mesotrione and/or isoxaflutole that will kill bermudagrass while not harming Kentucky bluegrass would provide turfgrass professionals a viable option for bermudagrass control. Final evaluations were not available at the time of publication. In-season results (12 weeks following initial application; 4 applications) indicate isoxaflutole at 0.25 lb ai/A controlled bermudagrass 98% and did not injure Kentucky bluegrass. [ Prograss™, Tupersan™, mesotrione, and Cutless™ did not control bermudagrass greater than 50%, but may be useful for suppression of bermudagrass growth. Acclaim Extra™ at 13 and 17 oz/A controlled bermudagrass at least 80 %; injury to Kentucky bluegrass was less than 10%. All rates of Fusilade™ controlled bermudagrass greater than 90% and caused 20% or greater injury to Kentucky bluegrass.

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