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

Abstract

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.