Bermudagrass Injury Research Articles

Growth Suppression of Hybrid Bermudagrass with Imazapic

Imazapic is an acetolactate synthase-inhibiting herbicide labeled for weed control in pastures, rangeland, and noncrop areas. Field research was conducted in Knoxville, TN, USA, during 2020 and 2021 to evaluate the tolerance of four hybrid bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon × Cynodon transvaalensis Burtt Davy) cultivars to applications of imazapic for growth suppression. Separate experiments were conducted on ‘TifTuf’, ‘Tifway’, ‘Tahoma 31’, and ‘Latitude 36’ hybrid bermudagrass. Experiments included plots (1.5 m2) arranged in a randomized complete block design with four replications and were repeated. Treatments were applied 14 Aug 2020 and 6 Aug 2021, and were mixed with methylated seed oil. Imazapic rates were 0, 35, 52.5, 70, or 105 g⋅ha–1. Cultivar tolerance was assessed via visual ratings of turfgrass injury relative to untreated check plots. Normalized differential vegetation index data were collected on each date turfgrass injury was evaluated. Growth suppression was quantified via reductions in dry clipping weight after mowing. Hybrid bermudagrass injury increased with imazapic rate for all cultivars, and peak injury (> 30%) following all imazapic treatments occurred within 14 days. At the lowest imazapic rate (35 g⋅ha–1), injury was transient, with all hybrid bermudagrass cultivars fully recovered by 28 days. All rates of imazapic reduced hybrid bermudagrass dry clipping weight for 21 days for all cultivars. Further research is warranted to explore lower application rates than those tested in our study, in addition to determining tolerance and growth suppression of other turfgrass species commonly managed on golf courses.

Influence of posttreatment irrigation timings and herbicide placement on bermudagrass and goosegrass (Eleusine indica) response to low-dose topramezone and metribuzin programs

AbstractImmediate posttreatment irrigation has been proposed as a method to reduce hybrid bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. × Cynodon transvaalensis Burtt Davy] phytotoxicity from topramezone. Immediate irrigation is impractical, because it would take a turfgrass sprayer 10 to 15 min to cover an average golf course fairway or athletic field. There is also insufficient evidence regarding how posttreatment irrigation, immediate or otherwise, influences mature goosegrass [Eleusine indica (L.) Gaertn.] control from topramezone or low-dose topramezone plus metribuzin programs. We sought to investigate bermudagrass and E. indica response to immediate, 15-min, and 30-min posttreatment irrigation compared with no irrigation following topramezone at 12.3 g ae ha−1, the lowest labeled rate, or topramezone at 6.1 g ha−1 plus metribuzin at 210 g ai ha−1. We also evaluated placement of each herbicide and their combination on soil, foliage, and soil plus foliage to help elucidate the mechanisms involved in differential responses between species and herbicide mixtures. Responses were largely dependent on trial due to bermudagrass injury from high-dose topramezone being nearly eliminated by immediate irrigation in one trial and only slightly affected in another. When posttreatment irrigation was postponed for 15 or 30 min, topramezone alone injured bermudagrass unacceptably in both trials. Bermudagrass was injured less by low-dose topramezone plus metribuzin than by high-dose topramezone. All posttreatment irrigation timings reduced E. indica control compared with no posttreatment irrigation. The herbicide placement study suggested that topramezone control of E. indica is highly dependent on foliar uptake and that phytotoxicity of both bermudagrass and E. indica is greater from topramezone than metribuzin. Thus, posttreatment irrigation likely reduces topramezone rate load with a concomitant effect on plant phytotoxicity of both species. Metribuzin reduced 21-d cumulative clipping weight and tiller production of plants, and this may be a mechanism by which it reduces foliar white discoloration from topramezone.

Differences in selectivity between bermudagrass and goosegrass (Eleusine indica) to low-rate topramezone and metribuzin combinations

AbstractGoosegrass [Eleusine indica (L.) Gaertn.] remains problematic for bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.] turf managers due to the ineffective, selective control of mature plants with available postemergence herbicides and lack of sufficient residual activity from those herbicides to control seedling plants. Topramezone controls mature E. indica, but past efforts to suppress potential injury to bermudagrass turf have been inconsistent. We hypothesized that metribuzin at 210 g ai ha−1 in admixture with topramezone would improve bermudagrass tolerance while conserving mature E. indica control. In preliminary field studies, metribuzin mixed with topramezone at 1.2 or 2.5 g ae ha−1 applied twice at a 3-wk interval reduced bermudagrass injury and white discoloration compared with topramezone applied alone, but metribuzin did not safen bermudagrass to mesotrione. Topramezone at 3.7 g ha−1 plus 210 g ha−1 metribuzin applied twice at a 3-wk interval offered improved bermudagrass tolerance while it still controlled mature E. indica during 15 field and 2 greenhouse studies in Virginia. This program offered a 10-fold decrease in suprathreshold duration of white discoloration compared with topramezone alone at 6.1 g ha−1. Bermudagrass absorbed three times less radioactivity than E. indica at timings up to 48 h after treatment with [14C]topramezone. Bermudagrass also metabolized twice as much topramezone compared with E. indica at 48 h after treatment. Metribuzin reduced 14C absorption by approximately 25% in both species. These studies confirm the performance of a novel, low-dose topramezone plus metribuzin program for mature E. indica control in bermudagrass turf and suggest that selectivity between bermudagrass and E. indica to topramezone is due to differential absorption and metabolism. The fact that metribuzin reduces topramezone absorption in both species suggests that it may help reduce bermudagrass phytotoxic response to topramezone, but its role in altering selectivity between bermudagrass and E. indica may be due to other factors.

Spring-applied triclopyr mixtures for bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon) suppression in Louisiana sugarcane

AbstractSugarcane infested with bermudagrass and harvested as seed cane introduces the potential for weedy propagules to reinfest fields. Research was conducted in 2018 and 2019 following sugarcane harvest for seed cane to evaluate bermudagrass management with photosystem II (PSII)- and 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase (HPPD)–inhibiting herbicides applied alone or mixed with triclopyr. Combinations of diuron at 2.8 kg ha–1 with clomazone at 1.5 kg ha–1 or triclopyr at 1.1 kg ha–1 and hexazinone at 0.74 kg ha–1 with triclopyr applied early POST (EPOST) in mid-February injured bermudagrass 85% to 86%, and injury was greater than diuron or hexazinone alone (16% and 10%) in mid-March. Bermudagrass injury decreased to 45% to 56% for these combination treatments by April; however, injury differences were similar to the earlier rating. Late POST (LPOST) mid-March application of these treatments indicated similar bermudagrass injury trends when evaluated in early April. By mid-May, however, no treatment resulted in greater than 18% bermudagrass injury. Clomazone plus diuron applied LPOST resulted in 19% sugarcane injury by early April; however, all other treatments resulted in 7% sugarcane injury or less. In mid-May, a mid-April EPOST application of topramezone at 0.025 kg ha–1 plus triclopyr at 1.1 kg ha–1 resulted in 62% bermudagrass injury, which was equivalent to that observed with other topramezone rates in this combination (0.012 and 0.037 kg ha–1) (54% to 60%). Bermudagrass injury from triclopyr mixed with mesotrione (32%) or triclopyr mixed with atrazine, mesotrione, and S-metolachlor (47% to 55%) resulted in bermudagrass injury similar to that with topramezone plus triclopyr (54% to 62%). Data showed the flexibility of triclopyr when mixed with several HPPD- or PSII-inhibitor herbicides for bermudagrass management in a Louisiana sugarcane cropping system. Greater flexibility in application timing for HPPD-inhibitor herbicides than for PSII-inhibitor herbicides (diuron or hexazinone), and mixed with triclopyr, may suppress bermudagrass POST in April and May with minimal sugarcane injury.

Applications of topramezone and SpeedZone®for POST goosegrass (Eleusine indica) control in hybrid bermudagrass

AbstractTopramezone and carfentrazone + 2,4-D + mecoprop-p + dicamba (SpeedZone®) are herbicides labeled for POST goosegrass (Eleusine indicaL. Gaertn.) control in hybrid bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon×C. transvaalensisBurtt Davy). Field research was conducted in Knoxville, TN, during 2019 and 2020 to evaluate goosegrass control and hybrid bermudagrass tolerance to these herbicides applied alone and in mixture. Treatments included topramezone (12.2 g ha–1), SpeedZone® [carfentrazone (33.6 g ha–1) + 2,4-D (1,029 g ha–1) + mecoprop-p (322 g ha–1) + dicamba (91 g ha–1)] and SpeedZone® + topramezone at 12.2, 6.1, 3.6, or 2.4 g ha–1. A nontreated control was included for comparison. Hybrid bermudagrass tolerance was assessed on four cultivars (‘Northbridge’, ‘Tifway’, ‘Tahoma 31’, and ‘TifTuf’) via visual ratings of turfgrass injury and assessments of normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI). At the termination of the experiment, SpeedZone® alone and in mixture with topramezone controlled goosegrass better than or equal to topramezone alone. Mixtures of SpeedZone® + topramezone reduced injury on all cultivars compared to topramezone alone, particularly when mixtures delivered ≤6.1 g ha–1topramezone. Injury subsided on all cultivars by 28 d after treatment regardless of herbicide. Findings suggest that SpeedZone® can be mixed with topramezone at the rates tested herein to minimize hybrid bermudagrass injury from topramezone applications for goosegrass control.

Response of seashore paspalum and bermudagrass to topramezone and triclopyr mixtures

AbstractFew options are available for controlling bermudagrass invasion of seashore paspalum. Bermudagrass and seashore paspalum tolerance to topramezone, triclopyr, or the combination of these two herbicides were evaluated in both greenhouse and field conditions. Field treatments included two sequential applications of topramezone (15.6 g ai ha−1) alone and five rates of topramezone + triclopyr (15.6 + 43.2, 15.6 + 86.3, 15.6 + 172.6, 15.6 + 345.2, or 15.6 g ai ha−1+ 690.4 g ae ha−1). Secondary greenhouse treatments included a single application of topramezone (20.8 g ha−1) or triclopyr (258.9 g ha−1) alone, or in combination at 20.8 + 258.9 or 20.8 + 517.8 g ha−1, respectively. Greenhouse and field results showed that topramezone applications in combination with triclopyr present opposite responses between bermudagrass and seashore paspalum. Topramezone increased bermudagrass injury and decreased seashore paspalum bleaching injury compared to topramezone alone. In field evaluations, topramezone + triclopyr at 15.6 + 690.4 g ha−1used in sequential applications resulted in >90% injury to bermudagrass, however, injury decreased over time. Furthermore, sequential applications of topramezone + triclopyr at 15.6 + 690.4 g ha−1resulted in >50% injury to seashore paspalum. Application programs including topramezone plus triclopyr should increase bermudagrass suppression and reduce seashore paspalum injury compared to topramezone alone. However, additional studies are needed because such practices will likely require manipulation of topramezone rate, application timing, application interval, and number of applications in order to maximize bermudagrass control and minimize seashore paspalum injury.

Seashore Paspalum and Bermudagrass Response to Spray Applications of Postemergence Herbicides

The use of nonpotable water for irrigation on various sport venues has led to an increased use of seashore paspalum (Paspalum vaginatum) turf in Hawaii. An ongoing challenge many seashore paspalum turf managers struggle with is bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon) infestations. Herbicide efficacy studies were conducted at the Hoakalei Country Club [‘SeaDwarf’ seashore paspalum (fairway cut)] and the Magoon Research Station [‘SeaStar’ seashore paspalum (grown in container)] on the island of Oahu in Hawaii. Spray applications of the herbicides mesotrione, topramezone, metribuzin, and ethofumesate were evaluated alone and in tank mixtures for bermudagrass suppression and seashore paspalum injury. At the Hoakalei Country Club, maximum bermudagrass injury with minimal seashore paspalum discoloration was obtained with tank mixes of mesotrione (0.06 lb/acre) + metribuzin (0.19 lb/acre) + ethofumesate (1.00 lb/acre) and topramezone (0.02 lb/acre) + metribuzin (0.19 lb/acre) + ethofumesate (1.00 lb/acre). Unacceptable seashore paspalum turf injury was obtained in all treatments that did not include metribuzin. At the Magoon Research Station, maximum selective bermudagrass suppression was achieved with tank mixes of topramezone (0.01 lb/acre) + ethofumesate (1.00 lb/acre) and topramezone (0.01 lb/acre) + metribuzin (0.09 lb/acre) + ethofumesate (1.00 lb/acre). The addition of metribuzin and/or ethofumesate to the tank mix safened (reduced turf discoloration) seashore paspalum to topramezone or mesotrione foliar bleaching. Tank mixes of mesotrione, topramezone, metribuzin, and ethofumesate have the potential for bermudagrass suppression and control of other grassy weeds in seashore paspalum turf.

Goosegrass and Bermudagrass Response to Rates and Tank Mixtures of Topramezone and Triclopyr

Postemergence herbicide options for mature goosegrass [Eleusine indica (L.) Gaertn.] control in bermudagrass (Cynodon spp. Rich.) turf are lacking. Greenhouse and field trials were conducted to determine the lowest rate at which topramezone, with or without triclopyr, controls goosegrass while maintaining acceptable bermudagrass quality. Greenhouse dose–response studies determined herbicide rates for field trials. In field trials, topramezone at 6.13 to 12.3 g a.i. ha−1 applied twice at a 3‐wk interval eliminated 8‐ to 18‐tiller goosegrass at three of four locations. The same topramezone treatments did not reduce smooth crabgrass [Digitaria ischaemum (Schreb.) Schreb. ex Muhl.] cover more than 53% when applied alone and not more than 84% when applied with triclopyr at 140 g acid equivalent ha−1. The number of days over a threshold of 30% injury or stunting (DOT30) within the 28‐d period following each of two herbicide treatments was calculated for 31 bermudagrass varieties. Bermudagrass injury DOT30 following the first treatment ranged from 11.1 to 17.8 d, depending on variety. The addition of triclopyr increased injury DOT30 but reduced the severity of discoloration by eliminating white tissue discoloration. All varieties were severely injured but completely or near completely recovered by 28 d after each treatment. Generally, topramezone at 6.13 or 12.3 g a.i. ha−1 applied twice controls goosegrass in bermudagrass. Addition of triclopyr improves smooth crabgrass control and decreases severity of bermudagrass injury but increases suprathreshold‐injury duration.

Effect of Soil Organic Matter Content and Volumetric Water Content on ‘Tifway 419’ Hybrid Bermudagrass Growth Following Indaziflam Applications

Indaziflam is a cellulose biosynthesis–inhibiting herbicide for PRE annual weed control in turfgrass systems. Since indaziflam's 2010 U.S. registration, sporadic cases of hybrid bermudagrass injury have been reported; however, causes are not well understood. Field research was conducted from 2013 to 2015 on sandy soil to elucidate the effects of soil organic matter content (SOMC) and soil volumetric water content (SVWC) on plant growth following indaziflam application on established or root-compromised (5 cm long) hybrid bermudagrass. The effect of SOMC was evaluated at two levels, 1.4 (low) and 5.5% (high) w/w at the soil surface (0 to 2.5 cm depth), whereas SVWC was evaluated PRE (2 wk before) and POST (6 wk after) indaziflam application at two levels (low or high). Indaziflam was applied (50 or 100 g ai ha−1) at fall-only, fall-plus-spring, and spring-only timings. Regardless of application timing or SVWC, indaziflam applied at 50 g ha−1 to high SOMC did not cause > 10% visual cover reduction on established or root-compromised hybrid bermudagrass. Indaziflam applied to hybrid bermudagrass on low SOMC exacerbated adverse growth effects, most notably when root systems were compromised before application. Overall, PRE indaziflam application SVWC did not affect hybrid bermudagrass growth. Within low SOMC, low POST indaziflam application SVWC caused less visual hybrid bermudagrass cover reduction than did high POST indaziflam application SVWC, whereas both fall-plus-spring and spring-only application timings caused similarly greater reductions than fall-only indaziflam application. Data from this research will aid turfgrass managers to effectively use indaziflam without adversely affecting hybrid bermudagrass growth.

Effect of Indaziflam Applications on ‘Tifway 419’ Bermudagrass Growth

Indaziflam {N‐[(1R,S)‐2,3‐dihyrdo‐2,6‐dimethyl‐1H‐inden‐1‐yl]‐6‐(1‐fluorethyl)1,3,5‐triazine‐2,4‐diamine} is a preemergence herbicide for annual weed control in turfgrass systems. Following indaziflam U.S. registration in 2010, sporadic cases of hybrid bermudagrass (HB) injury were reported. Field research was conducted from 2012 to 2014 evaluating indaziflam application rates [16 followed by 16 (28 d), 33, 49, or 65 g a.i. ha−1] and timings (fall‐only, fall‐plus‐spring, or spring‐only) in two environments (reduced sunlight [RS] and full sunlight [FS]) to elucidate their effect on HB growth. In Year 1, differences were not detected, while in Year 2 HB cover varied between environments. In Year 2, HB cover in the RS environment treated with 49 and 65 g ha−1 had 36 and 64% less visual cover 12 wk after initial spring treatment than the FS environment, respectively. Within the RS environment, indaziflam also reduced HB visual cover compared to the nontreated (77% cover). A bioassay study conducted with soil cores collected from field plots suggested HB cover reduction was minimally affected by indaziflam‐soil bioavailability, as perennial ryegrass biomass was not reduced beyond a 2.5‐cm depth. Weather conditions varied between years, with air temperatures ≤0°C occurring more frequently and to a greater magnitude in Year 2. The weather, coupled with reduced solar radiation in the RS environment may have contributed to HB cover reduction in Year 2. Overall, indaziflam applications to established HB in areas with suitable growth conditions were safe; however, unacceptable HB cover reductions were observed in areas with poor growth conditions. Indaziflam is safe on established bermudagrass grown in appropriate conditions. Bermudagrass‐indaziflam tolerance decreased when applied in a reduced sunlight setting. Severe winter climatic conditions exacerbated bermudagrass‐indaziflam injury.

Indaziflam Enhances Buckhorn Plantain (Plantago lanceolata) Control from Postemergence Herbicides

Buckhorn plantain is a perennial weed in turfgrass and efficacy of POST herbicides is often inconsistent for control in spring. Indaziflam is a cellulose biosynthesis inhibitor used for PRE control of annual weeds in turf and applications have shown to be injurious to established buckhorn plantain. The objectives of this research were to evaluate (1) effects of indaziflam application rate and placement on buckhorn plantain injury; (2) effects of tank-mixing indaziflam with POST herbicides for buckhorn plantain control; and (3) physiological effects of indaziflam on absorption and translocation of14C-2,4-D in buckhorn plantain. In greenhouse experiments, indaziflam reduced buckhorn plantain shoot mass 61 to 75% from the nontreated at 4 wk after treatment (WAT) and hierarchical rank of application placements were: foliar + soil ≥ soil ≥ foliar. Differences in biomass reduction from application rates (27.5 and 55 g ai ha−1) were not detected. In field experiments, indaziflam at 55 g ha−1controlled buckhorn plantain 34% at 9 WAT but enhanced the speed of control from all herbicides tested in tank mixtures. Exclusive applications of 2,4-D or 2,4-D + dicamba + MCPP provided poor control (< 70%) of buckhorn plantain at 9 WAT, but tank mixtures with indaziflam provided 81 and 98% control, respectively. Fluroxypyr and simazine alone controlled buckhorn plantain < 38% but tank mixtures with indaziflam enhanced control more than twice as much from exclusive applications. Tank-mixing indaziflam with metsulfuron did not improve control from metsulfuron alone after 9 wk. Bermudagrass injury was not detected from any treatment. In laboratory experiments,14C-2,4-D absorption and translocation in buckhorn plantain was similar with or without indaziflam tank mixtures at 72 and 168 h after treatment. Overall, indaziflam may improve buckhorn plantain control from POST herbicides by providing additive phytotoxicity in tank mixtures in spring.

Use of Selected Herbicides and Application Methods for Tolerance to Tifton 85 Bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.

Aims: To evaluate forage tolerance of Tifton 85 bermudagrass to selected pasture herbicides using two application methods: broadcast (BRD) and individual plant treatments (IPT). Study Design: A randomized complete block design was employed with four replications. Place and Duration of Study: Trials were conducted during the 2006 and 2007 growing seasons near Thrall, Texas, (30.35 o N, 97.17 o W). Methodology: Two spray application methods (BRD and IPT) were compared when using selected herbicides for bermudagrass tolerance. Herbicides evaluated by BRD included picloram plus fluroxypyr, picloram plus fluroxypyr plus metsulfuron-methyl, triclopyr, triclopyr plus fluroxypyr, triclopyr plus metsulfuron-methyl, triclopyr plus fluroxypyr plus metsulfuron-methyl, and metsulfuron-methyl plus dicamba plus 2,4-D. Herbicides evaluated by IPT included triclopyr, triclopyr plus fluroxypyr, and picloram plus fluroxypyr. Bermudagrass injury, yield, and crude Original Research Article Janak et al.; AJEA, 8(5): 289-298, 2015; Article no.AJEA.2015.172 290 protein content were evaluated for application method and herbicide. Results: Rainfall after herbicide application in 2006 was 67% below normal while in 2007 rainfall was 350% above normal. No bermudagrass necrosis or growth reduction were noted in 2006. Triclopyr plus fluroxypyr applied IPT was the only treatment to decrease Tifton 85 dry matter yield at the first harvest, with no effect observed at the second. In 2007, necrosis was greatest with triclopyr plus fluroxypyr applied BRD while triclopyr plus fluroxypyr and triclopyr plus fluroxypyr plus metsulfuron-methyl applied BRD and triclopyr applied IPT caused the greatest growth reduction. Triclopyr and triclopyr plus fluroxypyr applied BRD or IPT and triclopyr plus fluroxypyr plus metsulfuron-methyl applied BRD decreased dry matter yield at the first harvest while only triclopyr alone applied IPT reduced yield at the second. Conclusions: The recurring bermudagrass stunting and yield reduction with triclopyr is consistent with previous forage tolerance research. Metsulfuron methyl plus dicamba plus 2,4-D was the only treatment that exhibited little or no injury, growth reduction, or yield reduction at any time. Producers need to be aware of potential injury issues with triclopyr.

Sod Harvesting Intervals of Four Warm-Season Turfgrasses for Halosulfuron and Sulfentrazone

Sedges are problematic weeds that reduce quality of turfgrass sod, and herbicides may be needed for control prior to harvesting. The objective of this research was to evaluate application timing of halosulfuron and sulfentrazone on sod quality, tensile strength, and postharvest rooting of four warm-season turfgrasses. Bermudagrass injury from herbicides was minimal (< 10%), but injury to centipedegrass, St. Augustinegrass, and zoysiagrass was detected before harvesting and generally increased with sulfentrazone rate from 0.21 to 0.84 kg ai ha−1. Sod tensile strength was not reduced from the nontreated for bermudagrass and centipedegrass treated with herbicides, but tensile strength was reduced 15 and 22% following herbicide applications 1 wk before harvesting (WBH) St. Augustinegrass and zoysiagrass, respectively. Sulfentrazone at 0.84 kg ha−1reduced zoysiagrass tensile strength 20% from the nontreated, but other treatments did not reduce measurements. Turfgrass injury from halosulfuron was negligible on all species, and treatments did not affect sod tensile strength of the four species. Treatments did not affect root mass of any species at 4 wk after sod transplanting. Sod quality after transplanting was reduced from the nontreated on several dates for centipedegrass and St. Augustinegrass when treated with sulfentrazone 1 and 2 WBH, and zoysiagrass quality was reduced from treatments 4 WBH. Bermudagrass quality after transplanting was not reduced from the nontreated by any herbicides. Results suggest sod harvesting should be delayed 1, > 2, > 2, and ≥ 4 weeks after sulfentrazone applications at labeled rates for bermudagrass, centipedegrass, St. Augustinegrass, and zoysiagrass, respectively. Sod harvesting should be delayed 1, 2, ≥ 4, and 2 wk after halosulfuron treatments at 0.07 kg ai ha−1for bermudagrass, centipedegrass, St. Augustinegrass, and zoysiagrass, respectively.

Effect of Reed-Sedge Peat Moss on Hybrid Bermudagrass Injury with Indaziflam and Prodiamine in Sand-Based Root Zones

PRE herbicides have been reported to injure both the foliage and roots of hybrid bermudagrass turf established in sand culture. Research was conducted to evaluate the influence of reed-sedge peat moss (RSPM) on hybrid bermudagrass injury following PRE herbicide applications to plants established in sand culture. Washed sod plugs were established in mini-rhizotrons constructed with sand root-zones varying in organic carbon content (0.000, 0.003, 0.007, and 0.012 kg kg−1). Herbicide treatments included indaziflam (35 and 52.5 g ai ha−1) and prodiamine (840 g ai ha−1). Significant foliar injury was only observed with indaziflam at 52.5 g ha−1. When applied to plants in sand with no detectable (0.000 kg kg−1) organic carbon, foliar injury measured 61% by 6 wk after treatment. Comparatively, injury with indaziflam at 52.5 g ha−1was reduced by 40% with applications to plants established in sand with 0.007 kg kg−1organic carbon. Root length, root length density, and root surface area were greatest in sand-based root zones with ≥ 0.007 kg kg−1organic carbon regardless of herbicide treatment; however, only indaziflam (52.5 g ha−1) and prodiamine-treated plants exhibited diminished root parameters relative to the nontreated check. Data in the current study illustrate that RSPM can affect above- and belowground injury following PRE herbicide applications to hybrid bermudagrass in sand root-zones.

Effect of Ambient Moisture on Aminocyclopyrachlor Efficacy

Aminocyclopyrachlor (AMCP) is a newly developed synthetic auxin herbicide for broadleaf weed control in turfgrass systems. AMCP has been observed to undergo rapid photodecomposition in shallow water when exposed to sunlight. Most herbicide applications on golf courses occur during the morning when dew is still present on the turfgrass canopy. These conditions could result in efficacy loss if photolysis occurred while AMCP is suspended in dew droplets. Research was conducted to determine the effect of ambient moisture on AMCP efficacy. AMCP (79 and 105 g ae ha−1), aminopyralid (280 g ae ha−1), and two AMCP granular formulations (84 g ha−1) were applied to dew-covered (WET) and dew-excluded (DRY) ‘Tifway' bermudagrass plots. Herbicide treatments applied to WET plots had greater visually rated bermudagrass injury than respective treatments applied to DRY plots at 7 and 21 d after treatment (DAT), with the exception of aminopyralid at 21 DAT. Normalized difference vegetative index on turfgrass quality complemented visual ratings, indicating greater turfgrass quality reductions when applied to WET vs. DRY plots. These results indicate that AMCP applications made to dew-covered turfgrass can increase herbicidal efficacy, and no significant losses due to photodegradation were observed.

Soil Type and Rooting Depth Affect Hybrid Bermudagrass Injury with Preemergence Herbicides

ABSTRACTApplications of preemergence (PRE) herbicides can injure hybrid bermudagrass [C. dactylon (L.) Pers. × C. transvaalensis Burtt‐Davy]. Research was conducted to determine the effects of soil texture and rooting depth on hybrid bermudagrass injury with two PRE herbicides. Washed ‘Tifway’ hybrid bermudagrass sod was established in mini‐rhizotrons. Treatments included the factorial combination of two soils (sand, silt loam), four herbicides (indaziflam at 35, 52.5, and 70 g ha−1 and prodiamine at 840 g ha−1), and three rooting depths (5, 10, and 15 cm). Averaged across both soils, foliar injury and reductions in root‐length density were greatest at rooting depths ≤15 cm. In a sand rootzone with no organic matter, significant foliar injury (23 to 48%) was observed with indaziflam; however, foliar injury with prodiamine measured ≤7%. In the silt loam rootzone, injury measured 0 to 17% with all herbicides. Data indicate that soil type and rooting depth affect hybrid bermudagrass injury with indaziflam; however, additional research is needed to determine if these glasshouse responses will be similar under field conditions. Differential effects on root function, as well as soil biological, chemical, and physical properties may also affect injury potential with indaziflam and prodiamine applications in sand rootzones. Additional research is needed to explore the effects of indaziflam and prodiamine on hybrid bermudagrass root physiological function in further detail.

PRE and POST Control of Annual Bluegrass (Poa annua) with Indaziflam

Indaziflam controls annual grassy weeds by inhibiting cellulose biosynthesis. Research was conducted from 2008 to 2011 in Tennessee, Texas, and Georgia evaluating the efficacy of indaziflam for PRE and POST control of annual bluegrass in bermudagrass turf. In Texas, indaziflam at 30, 40, 50, and 60 g ai ha−1 applied PRE provided 93 to 100% annual bluegrass control through 28 wk after treatment. When applied PRE at 80 g ai ha−1 and at 4, 8, and 12 wk after PRE (WAP), indaziflam controlled annual bluegrass 67 to 100% 32 wk after initial treatment (WAIT) in Tennessee; however, reduced efficacy was observed with 12 WAP treatments in a single year of a 2-yr study. Similarly, annual bluegrass control with PRE applications or with 4 and 8 WAP applications of indaziflam at 35 and 52.5 g ai ha−1 ranged from 88 to 100% at 30 WAIT in Tennessee. In Georgia, these rates of indaziflam applied PRE and 4 WAP controlled annual bluegrass 96 to 100% on all evaluation dates and resulted in 97 to 100% reduction in plant counts relative to the untreated control at 30 WAIT. When applied 8 WAP, the 35 and 52.5 g ai ha−1 rates of indaziflam controlled annual bluegrass only 51 to 71% at 30 WAIT in Georgia. Although increasing the application rate of indaziflam treatments 8 WAP provided greater annual bluegrass control, each rate provided significantly lower control when applied 8 WAP compared with PRE or at 4 WAP. No bermudagrass injury was observed in this research. Results suggest indaziflam provides effective PRE and early POST control of annual bluegrass in bermudagrass turf. However, additional research is needed to determine the effects of plant size and maturity on indaziflam efficacy for POST annual bluegrass control.

Purple Nutsedge (Cyperus rotundus) and False-Green Kyllinga (Kyllinga gracillima) Control in Bermudagrass Turf

Experiments were conducted during 2007 and 2008 to evaluate various herbicide treatment regimes for POST purple nutsedge and false-green kyllinga control. Evaluated herbicides included halosulfuron, sulfentrazone, sulfosulfuron, and trifloxysulfuron. Evaluated treatments did not cause objectionable bermudagrass injury at any time. Results were variable across years, likely due to reduced rainfall in 2007 causing reduced purple nutsedge and false-green kyllinga growth. In 2007, averaged across herbicide rate and number of applications, sulfosulfuron provided greater purple nutsedge control than trifloxysulfuron. Sulfosulfuron and trifloxysulfuron provided similar levels of control in 2008, although both were less effective than in 2007. In 2007, sulfosulfuron and trifloxysulfuron provided excellent (> 90%) false-green kyllinga control, and trifloxysulfuron provided greater control (80%) compared to sulfosulfuron (61%) in 2008. Sulfentrazone provided < 30 and 60% purple nutsedge and false-green kyllinga control, respectively. A sequential application applied 6 wk after initial treatment provided the highest level of purple nutsedge and false-green kyllinga control with evaluated herbicides. Tank-mix partners to enhance purple nutsedge control with sulfentrazone provided inconsistent results. Sulfosulfuron and trifloxysulfuron offer acceptable POST perennial sedge control in tolerant warm-season turfgrasses.

Sodium Chloride Efficacy for Smooth Crabgrass (Digitaria ischaemum) Control and Safety to Common Bermudagrass and Seashore Paspalum

Seashore paspalum has high salinity tolerance, suggesting sodium chloride might have potential as a selective grassy weed herbicide. The objective of this research was to investigate sodium chloride rate and application timing for smooth crabgrass control and seashore paspalum and common bermudagrass injury. Five rates of sodium chloride (244, 488, 976, 1,952, or 3,904 kg ha−1) were compared with quinclorac at 0.84 kg ai ha−1 for controlling multileaf or multitiller smooth crabgrass. Sodium chloride at ≥ 976 kg ha−1 provided excellent control (90 to 100%) of multitiller smooth crabgrass from 7 to 28 d after treatment, but ≥ 1,952 kg ha−1 was required to achieve excellent control of multileaf populations. Furthermore, 976 kg ha−1 of sodium chloride applied to multitiller smooth crabgrass caused minimal seashore paspalum injury (0 to 6%), comparable to quinclorac, but was more injurious when applied earlier in the spring for multileaf smooth crabgrass control. Common bermudagrass injury increased with sodium chloride rate and was > 20% from sodium chloride at 488 and 976 kg ha−1 at both application timings. Overall, sodium chloride was most effective and safe on seashore paspalum when applied for smooth crabgrass control at the multitiller growth stage, whereas bermudagrass injury might be excessive at minimum rates required for control.

Mesotrione plus Prodiamine for Smooth Crabgrass (Digitaria ischaemum) Control in Established Bermudagrass Turf

Crabgrass species are problematic weeds in bermudagrass turf that can be controlled by PRE herbicide applications. Because of the difficulty in predicting crabgrass emergence and other prevailing management constraints, PRE herbicide applications are not always properly timed. Mesotrione controls crabgrass both PRE and POST; however, relatively short soil-residual activity limits its use as a PRE herbicide. Two experiments were conducted to evaluate smooth crabgrass control with PRE applications of mesotrione plus prodiamine. The first experiment evaluated the influence of application timing on the efficacy of mesotrione-plus-prodiamine combinations. Applications were made every 2 wk from March 15 to May 24. Mesotrione plus prodiamine controlled smooth crabgrass more consistently across all application dates than either mesotrione or prodiamine applied alone. The second experiment evaluated mesotrione along with current PRE and early POST herbicide treatments used for control of crabgrass. When applied at one to two tillers growth stage, mesotrione plus prodiamine controlled smooth crabgrass 99% when rated on August 31. Bermudagrass injury from mesotrione ranged from 9 to 44%, but did not result in any reduction in turf plant density. Mesotrione plus prodiamine is an effective tank mixture when prodiamine alone is not applied in a timely fashion; however, variable and excessive turf injury is a potential impediment to mesotrione use on bermudagrass turf.Nomenclature: Mesotrione, prodiamine, smooth crabgrass, Digitaria ischaemum (Schreb) Schreb. ex Muhl Schreb. DIGIS, bermudagrass, Cynodon dactylon L. CYNDA