Bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon) Control with Topramezone and Triclopyr

Abstract

Common bermudagrass is a problematic weed within tall fescue turfgrass. Field research was conducted from 2010 to 2012 in Knoxville, TN, evaluating the efficacy of sequential applications of topramezone (12.5 and 25 g ha−1), triclopyr (1,120 g ha−1), and mixtures of topramezone + triclopyr for bermudagrass control in tall fescue turf. Sequential applications of fenoxaprop + triclopyr (100 + 1,120 g ha−1) were included for comparison. Three applications of each treatment were applied at 21-d intervals during July, August, and September of 2010 and 2011. Plots were stripped to receive tall fescue interseeding at 0 or 490 kg ha−1 during September 2010 and 2011. Bermudagrass control with topramezone + triclopyr mixtures was greater than topramezone or triclopyr applied alone 14 wk after initial treatment (WAIT) each year. In the second year of this study, topramezone + triclopyr mixtures controlled bermudagrass 27 to 50% compared to 27% for fenoxaprop + triclopyr by 52 WAIT. However, bermudagrass control with topramezone + triclopyr mixtures increased to 88 to 92% by 52 WAIT when accompanied with tall fescue interseeding at 490 kg ha−1. Future research should evaluate effects of interseeding on the efficacy of different herbicides for weed control in cool- and warm-season turf.