Chlelated Iron and Adjuvants Influence Bispyribac–Sodium Efficacy for Annual Bluegrass (Poa annua) Control in Cool-Season Turfgrasses

Abstract

Spray adjuvants may enhance bispyribac–sodium efficacy for annual bluegrass control but chelated iron may be needed to reduce potential turf discoloration. Field and laboratory experiments were conducted to investigate the influence of iron and adjuvants on bispyribac–sodium efficacy for annual bluegrass control in cool-season turf. In laboratory experiments,14C–bispyribac–sodium foliar absorption increased in four grasses by approximately 50 and 100% when applied with a nonionic surfactant and methylated seed oil, respectively, compared to the herbicide alone. Chelated iron did not reduce14C–bispyribac–sodium absorption. In field experiments, spray adjuvants enhanced annual bluegrass control from bispyribac–sodium at 37 g ai/ha but not at 74 g ai/ha. Iron did not reduce annual bluegrass control from bispyribac–sodium, with or without adjuvants, but mitigated creeping bentgrass discoloration for all treatments.