Weed Management on Putting Greens Dr. Tim R. Murphy Extension Weed Specialist University of Georgia Griffin
Problem Putting Green Weeds Annual Bluegrass - annual and perennial Goosegrass Crabgrass occasional broadleaf weeds nutsedge(s)
Bermudagrass Greens Preemergence crabgrass and goosegrass –Bensulide (Bensumec, Pre-San, Betasan –Dithiopyr (Dimension) –Bensulide + oxadiazon (Scotts Goosegrass/Crabgrass Control)
Bermudagrass Greens Postemergence crabgrass and goosegrass –Diclofop (Illoxan), goosegrass only –MSMA/DSMA - low rates, repeat applications, very risky, avoid air temperatures > 85 F.
Bermudagrass Greens Preemergence annual bluegrass control –Pronamide (Kerb), apply 60 to 90 days before overseeding, activated charcoal is used when applications made < 90 days before overseeding –Fenarimol (Rubigan), apply 2 to 3 applications, last application 14 days before overseeding perennial ryegrass (30 days on P. trivialis), apply low rate in Jan.-Feb, for extended control
Creeping Bentgrass Greens Preemergence crabgrass and goosegrass –Bensulide (Bensumec, Pre-San, Betasan –Dithiopyr (Dimension) –Bensulide + oxadiazon (Scotts Goosegrass/Crabgrass Control)
Creeping Bentgrass Greens Postemergence crabgrass and goosegrass –No herbicides labeled for this use –Low tolerance of creeping bentgrass –MSMA/DSMA - very risky –Acclaim Extra - too injurious
Creeping Bentgrass Greens Annual bluegrass control Paclobutrazol (Scotts TGR, Trimmit) a plant growth regulator that inhibits gibberellin biosynthesis Poa more sensitive than bentgrass apply in spring after bentgrass growth has resumed works slowly, repeat applications needed fall + spring applications needed for P. annua var. reptans
Perennial Poa Treatments (Johnson and Murphy, 1995) TGR applied Oct. 1 + Nov 12 fb Mar 15 + May 1 for 2 yr suppressed Poa 28% 4 MAT TGR at fb lbs. Ai/acre Cutless at same dates and rates suppressed Poa 6% 4 MAT
Perennial Poa Treatments (Johnson and Murphy, 1996)
Perennial Poa Suppression
Maximum Bentgrass Injury