Tank-Mixed Postemergence Herbicides for Postemergence Goosegrass Control in Bermudagrass Turf
Abstract Goosegrass [Eleusine indica (L.) Gaertn.] continues to be a major weed problem in bermudagrass (Cynodon spp.)throughout the southern United States. A field experiment was conducted during 1995 and 1996 in Georgia to determine if tank-mixed postemergence herbicides would improve goosegrass control in common bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.] turf. Illoxan (diclofop), MSMA plus Sencor (metribuzin), MSMA plus Sencor with Princep (simazine), and selected rates of Illoxan with Princep controlled goosegrass effectively (≥83%) for 8 weeks in 1995. However, the control was ineffective (<80%) for any treatment by 8 weeks in 1996. The higher control in 1995 was probably related to higher air temperature [mean high temperature was 35C (95F) for 14 days after treatment] compared to 1996 [32C (89F) during the same period]. Tank-mixes of Princep with MSMA did not improve goosegrass control compared with Illoxan alone. Addition of Princep to MSMA, MSMA plus Sencor, or Illoxan did not increase bermudagrass injury compared to these treatments applied without Princep.