Management of Turfgrass Pests; Weeds, Diseases, and Insects, Bulletin L-187, Introduction

Ohio State University Extension Bulletin

Management of Turfgrass Pests Weeds, Diseases, and Insects 2004

Bulletin L-187

Management of Turfgrass Weeds

Chemical Control of Turfgrass Weeds

CONTROL TURF WEED PROBLEM WEED TYPE CHEMICAL Pounds Active
Ingredient/Acre REMARKS

Annual
Grass Weed
Control BLUEGRASS
(at planting) Barnyardgrass
Crabgrass Annual siduron
(Tupersan) 5.0 lb/A Apply at time of seeding bluegrass as preemergent to crop and weedy grass. A second application may be necessary where weed pressure is heavy.

quinclorac
(Drive) 0.75 lb/A Apply at time of seeding bluegrass or wait until, at least, four weeks after emergence. Do not apply to fine fescue seedings unless it is part of a seeding mixture

Preemergent Control BLUEGRASS
RYEGRASS,
and FESCUE
(established) Barnyardgrass
Crabgrass
Foxtail Annual benefin
(Balan) 2.0 lb/A Apply uniformly in early spring before crabgrass emergence.

benefin
+
trifluralin
(Team Pro) 2.0 lb/A Apply uniformly in spring before crabgrass emergence.

bensulide
(Betasan) 7.5-12.0 lb/A Apply uniformly in early spring before crabgrass emergence. May also be used on bentgrass. If for some reason turfgrass must be reseeded, charcoal will inactivate this herbicide.

oxadiazon
(Ronstar G) 2.0 lb/A Apply uniformly in early spring before crabgrass emergence on bluegrass. Do not apply to bentgrass, fine fescue, or newly seeded areas.

siduron
(Tupersan) 10.0 lb/A Apply uniformly in early spring before crabgrass emergence. Use 1/2 rate in conjunction with seeding bluegrass (a preemergence treatment for bluegrass). Do not use on bermudagrass.

pendimethalin
(Pre-M, Pendulum, & others) 1.5-2.0 lb/A Apply uniformly in early spring before crabgrass emergence.

dithiopyr
(Dimension) 0.25-0.5 lb/A Apply uniformly in spring before crabgrass emergence. Uses include Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, tall fescue and fine fescue.

prodiamine
(Barricade) 0.5-0.75 lb/A Apply uniformly in early spring before crabgrass emergence.

Goosegrass Annual pendimethalin 1.5-2.0 lb/A Same as crabgrass. Goosegrass is more difficult to control than crabgrass. Do not expect more than 70-80% control. Repeat treatment may be necessary.

oxadiazon
(Ronstar G) 2.0 lb/A Apply uniformly in early spring before goosegrass emergence on bluegrass. Do not apply to bentgrass, fine fescue, or newly seeded areas.

dithiopyr
(Dimension) 0.5 lb/A Apply uniformly in spring before goosegrass emergence. Split applications can be made.

prodiamine
(Barricade) 0.65-0.75 lb/A Apply uniformly in spring before goosegrass emergence. Split applications can be made. Do not exceed a maximum annual rate of 1.0 lb/A.

BENTGRASS Crabgrass
Foxtail Annual bensulide
(Betasan) 7.5-10.0 lb/A Apply uniformly in spring before crabgrass emergence.

dithiopyr
(Dimension) 0.25-0.5 lb/A Apply in early spring before crabgrass emergence. Check label for restrictions.

prodiamine
(Barricade) 0.325-0.65 lb/A Apply prior to crabgrass germination in spring. Do not use on bentgrass greens or bentgrass less than 1/2 inch tall.

Annual
Bluegrass Annual bensulide
(Betasan) 7.5-10.0 lb/A Apply in late summer and early spring.

dithiopyr
(Dimension) 0.5 lb/A Apply in spring or late summer, not both.

prodiamine
(Barricade) 0.5-0.65 lb/A Apply only in spring or late summer, not both. Do not exceed a maximum annual rate of 0.65 lb/A

Annual
Grass Weed
Control
Postemergent Control
BLUEGRASS
RYEGRASS,
and FESCUE Crabgrass
Foxtail
Goosegrass Annual DSMA (SP)
or
MSMA (SL) 1.0 - 2.0 lb/A Start in June when crabgrass is less than 1 inch tall. At least 3 applications at 7-10 day intervals are necessary. Apply when soil moisture is adequate for rapid growth of crabgrass and turf. Some discoloration of turfgrass should be expected. Use lower rate when mid-day temperature is 85° or higher. Follow label for application rates.

fenoxyprop-p--ethyl
(Acclaim Extra) 0.06-0.12 lb/A Apply uniformly when crabgrass is visible. Will provide control of crabgrass as late as the 2-3 tiller stage. Apply when soil moisture is adequate for rapid growth of crabgrass and turf.
A slight discoloration and stunting of turf may occur.

quinclorac
(Drive) 0.5-0.75 lb/A Apply uniformly when crabgrass is visible. Will provide control of tillered crabgrass at the higher rate. Do not exceed two applications and 1.5lb/A/yr Use a recommended surfactant.

dithiopyr
(Dimension) 0.38-0.5 lb/A Apply uniformly when the crabgrass is visible until the initial tiller stage. Tank mix MSMA (0.5-1.0 lb/A) for 1-3 tillered crabgrass.

BENTGRASS Crabgrass
Foxtail
Goosegrass Annual MSMA
(Daconate) 1.0 lb/A Follow label directions. Discoloration of bentgrass should be expected. Use only when mid-day temperature is below 85° F. Do not use on golf course greens.

dithiopyr
(Dimension) 0.38-0.5 lb/A Apply uniformly when the annual grasses are visible until the tillered stage. Do not tank mix MSMA when treating bentgrass.

quinclorac
(Drive) 0.25-0.5 Apply uniformly when grasses are visible. Use only on high cut bentgrass. Some discoloration (yellowing) may occur. Check label for restrictions.

BENTGRASS,
BLUEGRASS,
and
RYEGRASS Annual
Bluegrass Annual
to
Perennial
biotypes ethofumesate
(Prograss) 0.75 lb/A Apply 0.75 lb a.i. per acre in 2 to 3 applications at 21 day intervals. Restrict application to golf course fairways and roughs. Check label for timing restrictions prior to and after overseeding. Fall applications most effective for postemergence control.

paclobutrazol
(Trimmit, TGR) 0.33-0.5 lb/A Labeled for golf greens, tees and fairways. Do not apply to areas with more than 70% annual bluegrass. Repeat applications in spring and fall for best results. Discoloration of annual bluegrass will last for four (4) to eight (8) weeks. Water in within 48 hours after application.

flurprimidol
(Cutless) 0.5-0.75 lb/A Repeat applications in spring and fall for best results. Water in within 48 hours after application. Discoloration and growth suppression of annual bluegrass will last for four (4) to eight (8) weeks.

trinexapac-ethyl
(Primo liquid)
(Primo WSB) 0.5-1.0 lb/A
0.25-0.5 lb/A
These rates are for annual bluegrass suppression. Repeat applications in spring and fall for best results. Some discoloration will occur at higher suppression rates. Use lower rate for bentgrass or bentgrass/annual bluegrass populations.

Sedge and
Grassy Weed
Control
Nutsedge
Control
BLUEGRASS,
RYEGRASS,
AND FESCUE Nutsedge Perennial bentazon
(Basagran) 1.0-2.0 lb/A Thorough leaf coverage is essential. Delay mowing for 3-5 days after application. Do not apply to seedling turf. A repeat application 10-14 days later may be needed.

halosulfuron
(Manage) 0.031-0.062lb/A Apply to nutsedge as a postemergent at 3-8 leaf stage. Use a surfactant as directed. Total kill occurs in 3-5 weeks.

MSMA 2.0 lb/A Thoroughly wet the nutsedge plants with the spray mix. A repeat application 14 days later may be needed. Do not water for, at least, 24 hours after application.

Selective Grass &
Broadleaf Weed
Control BLUEGRASS
FINE FESCUE Foxtail
Ryegrass
Broadleaf weeds Perennial metsulfuron
methyl
(Manor) 0.25-0.5 oz./A Do not exceed 0.5 oz/A within a nine-month period. Do not use when turf is under stress. Use a non-ionic surfactant.

BLUEGRASS
FINE FESCUE
BENTGRASS
(over 1/2" tall) Tall Fescue
Wild Violet
Purslane
Wild Garlic Perennial chlorsulfuron
(Corsair) 1.0-5.33 oz./A Spot treatment only. Do not use in areas containing perennial ryegrass. Use low rates when soil pH is less than 7.0, and do not use on very low pH soils. Do not use when turf is under stress. Use a surfactant. Not for use on turf grown for sod, seed production or research.

Non-Selective
Control Fescue
Nimblewill
Orchardgrass
Quackgrass
Timothy, and
other perennial
grass weeds. Perennial glyphosate
(Roundup Pro)
(Quick Pro) 2.0-4.0 lb/A Do not disturb soil or plant before treatment. Omit one regular mowing before application. Do not till or renovate for 5-7 days after application. Quick Pro provides rapid burndown for trim and edge areas.

glufosinate-ammonium
(Finale) 0.50-1.50 lb/A Omit one mowing prior to application. Spray- to-wet area using a minimum of 20 gallons spray/A. No soil residual activity.

pelargonic acid
(Scythe) 22-44 qt./A Contact herbicide. Initial discoloration within 6hr. after application. Annual weeds less than 6" tall can be controlled. Expect biennial and perennial weeds to regrow within 7-10 days. Addition of glyphosate or glufosinate ammonium improves long term control.

diquat dibromide 1.0 qt/A
(Reward) Contact herbicide. Requires addition of a nonionic surfactant. Initial discoloration within 6-8 hours after application. Annual weeds can be controlled but biennial and perennial weeds will regrow within 7-10 days. Addition of glyphosate or glufosinate ammonium improves long term control.

Broadleaf
Weed Control
Preemergent
Control
BLUEGRASS,
RYEGRASS,
and
FESCUES Broadleaf
Weeds Annual
and
Perennial isoxaben
(Gallery) 1.0 lb/A Applications may be made during the fall or early spring period. Fall applications must made before the germination of winter annual broadleaf weeds. Early spring applications will control a variety of spring and summer annual weeds. This product has no postemergent weed control. Do not apply to bentgrass putting greens or tees.

Postemergent
Control SEEDLING
TURF
(All Species) Broadleaf
Weeds Annual
and
Perennial bromoxynil
(Buctril) 0.25-0.50 lb/A Controls annuals and seedling perennial weeds. Contact herbicide, limited systemic activity. Apply before weeds exceed 2-inches in height. No effective soil residual activity. Labeled for non-residential turf use only.

2, 4-D 1.0 lb/A Follow label directions. Withhold use on newly seeded areas until the seeding has been mowed at least three times.

All Plants
Fumigation
(Soil Sterilization)
All Sites All weed seed Annual
and
Perennial dazomet
(Basamid) 220 lbs/A per
6-inch depth Follow label directions carefully. Functions as a soil sterilant. Apply to seed bed with good tilth, moist soil (50% field capacity), with soil temperature optimum of 54-64°F. Seal surface with water or tarp.

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CONTROL	TURF	WEED PROBLEM	WEED TYPE	CHEMICAL	Pounds Active Ingredient/Acre	REMARKS
Annual Grass Weed Control	BLUEGRASS (at planting)	Barnyardgrass Crabgrass	Annual	siduron (Tupersan)	5.0 lb/A	Apply at time of seeding bluegrass as preemergent to crop and weedy grass. A second application may be necessary where weed pressure is heavy.
Annual Grass Weed Control	BLUEGRASS (at planting)	Barnyardgrass Crabgrass		quinclorac (Drive)	0.75 lb/A	Apply at time of seeding bluegrass or wait until, at least, four weeks after emergence. Do not apply to fine fescue seedings unless it is part of a seeding mixture
Preemergent Control	BLUEGRASS RYEGRASS, and FESCUE (established)	Barnyardgrass Crabgrass Foxtail	Annual	benefin (Balan)	2.0 lb/A	Apply uniformly in early spring before crabgrass emergence.
				benefin + trifluralin (Team Pro)	2.0 lb/A	Apply uniformly in spring before crabgrass emergence.
				bensulide (Betasan)	7.5-12.0 lb/A	Apply uniformly in early spring before crabgrass emergence. May also be used on bentgrass. If for some reason turfgrass must be reseeded, charcoal will inactivate this herbicide.
				oxadiazon (Ronstar G)	2.0 lb/A	Apply uniformly in early spring before crabgrass emergence on bluegrass. Do not apply to bentgrass, fine fescue, or newly seeded areas.
				siduron (Tupersan)	10.0 lb/A	Apply uniformly in early spring before crabgrass emergence. Use 1/2 rate in conjunction with seeding bluegrass (a preemergence treatment for bluegrass). Do not use on bermudagrass.
				pendimethalin (Pre-M, Pendulum, & others)	1.5-2.0 lb/A	Apply uniformly in early spring before crabgrass emergence.
				dithiopyr (Dimension)	0.25-0.5 lb/A	Apply uniformly in spring before crabgrass emergence. Uses include Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, tall fescue and fine fescue.
				prodiamine (Barricade)	0.5-0.75 lb/A	Apply uniformly in early spring before crabgrass emergence.
		Goosegrass	Annual	pendimethalin	1.5-2.0 lb/A	Same as crabgrass. Goosegrass is more difficult to control than crabgrass. Do not expect more than 70-80% control. Repeat treatment may be necessary.
				oxadiazon (Ronstar G)	2.0 lb/A	Apply uniformly in early spring before goosegrass emergence on bluegrass. Do not apply to bentgrass, fine fescue, or newly seeded areas.
				dithiopyr (Dimension)	0.5 lb/A	Apply uniformly in spring before goosegrass emergence. Split applications can be made.
				prodiamine (Barricade)	0.65-0.75 lb/A	Apply uniformly in spring before goosegrass emergence. Split applications can be made. Do not exceed a maximum annual rate of 1.0 lb/A.
	BENTGRASS	Crabgrass Foxtail	Annual	bensulide (Betasan)	7.5-10.0 lb/A	Apply uniformly in spring before crabgrass emergence.
				dithiopyr (Dimension)	0.25-0.5 lb/A	Apply in early spring before crabgrass emergence. Check label for restrictions.
				prodiamine (Barricade)	0.325-0.65 lb/A	Apply prior to crabgrass germination in spring. Do not use on bentgrass greens or bentgrass less than 1/2 inch tall.
		Annual Bluegrass	Annual	bensulide (Betasan)	7.5-10.0 lb/A	Apply in late summer and early spring.
				dithiopyr (Dimension)	0.5 lb/A	Apply in spring or late summer, not both.
				prodiamine (Barricade)	0.5-0.65 lb/A	Apply only in spring or late summer, not both. Do not exceed a maximum annual rate of 0.65 lb/A
Annual Grass Weed Control Postemergent Control	BLUEGRASS RYEGRASS, and FESCUE	Crabgrass Foxtail Goosegrass	Annual	DSMA (SP) or MSMA (SL)	1.0 - 2.0 lb/A	Start in June when crabgrass is less than 1 inch tall. At least 3 applications at 7-10 day intervals are necessary. Apply when soil moisture is adequate for rapid growth of crabgrass and turf. Some discoloration of turfgrass should be expected. Use lower rate when mid-day temperature is 85° or higher. Follow label for application rates.
				fenoxyprop-p--ethyl (Acclaim Extra)	0.06-0.12 lb/A	Apply uniformly when crabgrass is visible. Will provide control of crabgrass as late as the 2-3 tiller stage. Apply when soil moisture is adequate for rapid growth of crabgrass and turf. A slight discoloration and stunting of turf may occur.
				quinclorac (Drive)	0.5-0.75 lb/A	Apply uniformly when crabgrass is visible. Will provide control of tillered crabgrass at the higher rate. Do not exceed two applications and 1.5lb/A/yr Use a recommended surfactant.
				dithiopyr (Dimension)	0.38-0.5 lb/A	Apply uniformly when the crabgrass is visible until the initial tiller stage. Tank mix MSMA (0.5-1.0 lb/A) for 1-3 tillered crabgrass.
	BENTGRASS	Crabgrass Foxtail Goosegrass	Annual	MSMA (Daconate)	1.0 lb/A	Follow label directions. Discoloration of bentgrass should be expected. Use only when mid-day temperature is below 85° F. Do not use on golf course greens.
				dithiopyr (Dimension)	0.38-0.5 lb/A	Apply uniformly when the annual grasses are visible until the tillered stage. Do not tank mix MSMA when treating bentgrass.
				quinclorac (Drive)	0.25-0.5	Apply uniformly when grasses are visible. Use only on high cut bentgrass. Some discoloration (yellowing) may occur. Check label for restrictions.
	BENTGRASS, BLUEGRASS, and RYEGRASS	Annual Bluegrass	Annual to Perennial biotypes	ethofumesate (Prograss)	0.75 lb/A	Apply 0.75 lb a.i. per acre in 2 to 3 applications at 21 day intervals. Restrict application to golf course fairways and roughs. Check label for timing restrictions prior to and after overseeding. Fall applications most effective for postemergence control.
				paclobutrazol (Trimmit, TGR)	0.33-0.5 lb/A	Labeled for golf greens, tees and fairways. Do not apply to areas with more than 70% annual bluegrass. Repeat applications in spring and fall for best results. Discoloration of annual bluegrass will last for four (4) to eight (8) weeks. Water in within 48 hours after application.
				flurprimidol (Cutless)	0.5-0.75 lb/A	Repeat applications in spring and fall for best results. Water in within 48 hours after application. Discoloration and growth suppression of annual bluegrass will last for four (4) to eight (8) weeks.
				trinexapac-ethyl (Primo liquid) (Primo WSB)	0.5-1.0 lb/A 0.25-0.5 lb/A	These rates are for annual bluegrass suppression. Repeat applications in spring and fall for best results. Some discoloration will occur at higher suppression rates. Use lower rate for bentgrass or bentgrass/annual bluegrass populations.
Sedge and Grassy Weed Control Nutsedge Control	BLUEGRASS, RYEGRASS, AND FESCUE	Nutsedge	Perennial	bentazon (Basagran)	1.0-2.0 lb/A	Thorough leaf coverage is essential. Delay mowing for 3-5 days after application. Do not apply to seedling turf. A repeat application 10-14 days later may be needed.
				halosulfuron (Manage)	0.031-0.062lb/A	Apply to nutsedge as a postemergent at 3-8 leaf stage. Use a surfactant as directed. Total kill occurs in 3-5 weeks.
				MSMA	2.0 lb/A	Thoroughly wet the nutsedge plants with the spray mix. A repeat application 14 days later may be needed. Do not water for, at least, 24 hours after application.
Selective Grass & Broadleaf Weed Control	BLUEGRASS FINE FESCUE	Foxtail Ryegrass Broadleaf weeds	Perennial	metsulfuron methyl (Manor)	0.25-0.5 oz./A	Do not exceed 0.5 oz/A within a nine-month period. Do not use when turf is under stress. Use a non-ionic surfactant.
Selective Grass & Broadleaf Weed Control	BLUEGRASS FINE FESCUE BENTGRASS (over 1/2" tall)	Tall Fescue Wild Violet Purslane Wild Garlic	Perennial	chlorsulfuron (Corsair)	1.0-5.33 oz./A	Spot treatment only. Do not use in areas containing perennial ryegrass. Use low rates when soil pH is less than 7.0, and do not use on very low pH soils. Do not use when turf is under stress. Use a surfactant. Not for use on turf grown for sod, seed production or research.
Non-Selective Control		Fescue Nimblewill Orchardgrass Quackgrass Timothy, and other perennial grass weeds.	Perennial	glyphosate (Roundup Pro) (Quick Pro)	2.0-4.0 lb/A	Do not disturb soil or plant before treatment. Omit one regular mowing before application. Do not till or renovate for 5-7 days after application. Quick Pro provides rapid burndown for trim and edge areas.
				glufosinate-ammonium (Finale)	0.50-1.50 lb/A	Omit one mowing prior to application. Spray- to-wet area using a minimum of 20 gallons spray/A. No soil residual activity.
				pelargonic acid (Scythe)	22-44 qt./A	Contact herbicide. Initial discoloration within 6hr. after application. Annual weeds less than 6" tall can be controlled. Expect biennial and perennial weeds to regrow within 7-10 days. Addition of glyphosate or glufosinate ammonium improves long term control.
				diquat dibromide	1.0 qt/A (Reward)	Contact herbicide. Requires addition of a nonionic surfactant. Initial discoloration within 6-8 hours after application. Annual weeds can be controlled but biennial and perennial weeds will regrow within 7-10 days. Addition of glyphosate or glufosinate ammonium improves long term control.
Broadleaf Weed Control Preemergent Control	BLUEGRASS, RYEGRASS, and FESCUES	Broadleaf Weeds	Annual and Perennial	isoxaben (Gallery)	1.0 lb/A	Applications may be made during the fall or early spring period. Fall applications must made before the germination of winter annual broadleaf weeds. Early spring applications will control a variety of spring and summer annual weeds. This product has no postemergent weed control. Do not apply to bentgrass putting greens or tees.
Postemergent Control	SEEDLING TURF (All Species)	Broadleaf Weeds	Annual and Perennial	bromoxynil (Buctril)	0.25-0.50 lb/A	Controls annuals and seedling perennial weeds. Contact herbicide, limited systemic activity. Apply before weeds exceed 2-inches in height. No effective soil residual activity. Labeled for non-residential turf use only.
Postemergent Control	SEEDLING TURF (All Species)	Broadleaf Weeds	Annual and Perennial	2, 4-D	1.0 lb/A	Follow label directions. Withhold use on newly seeded areas until the seeding has been mowed at least three times.
All Plants Fumigation (Soil Sterilization)	All Sites	All weed seed	Annual and Perennial	dazomet (Basamid)	220 lbs/A per 6-inch depth	Follow label directions carefully. Functions as a soil sterilant. Apply to seed bed with good tilth, moist soil (50% field capacity), with soil temperature optimum of 54-64°F. Seal surface with water or tarp.