Control of Yellow and Purple Nutsedges (Cyperus esculentusandC. rotundus) in Nursery Crops

Abstract

Experiments were conducted to evaluate selective herbicides for yellow and purple nutsedge control in nursery crops. Chlorimuron at 0.03 and 0.06 kg ai ha−1suppressed yellow and purple nutsedge shoot growth either PRE or POST and did not reduce growth of barberry, Burford holly, Compacta holly, azalea, juniper, or photinia, although shoot tip chlorosis was noted in all species except Burford holly and juniper. Imazaquin at 0.25 and 0.5 kg ha−1and imazethapyr at 0.06 and 0.21 kg ha−1reduced growth of azalea. Imazethapyr also reduced growth of barberry, juniper, and photinia. Chlorimuron, imazaquin, and imazethapyr inhibited liriope and daylily growth. Pyridate applied at 1.0 and 2.0 kg ha−1POST did not control purple nutsedge. Pyridate and flurtamone applied POST did not control yellow nutsedge as effectively as chlorimuron, imazaquin, or imazethapyr. Flurtamone at 0.5 and 1.0 kg ha−1applied PRE or POST controlled purple nutsedge. Both pyridate and flurtamone visibly injured most nursery crops tested, although plants generally outgrew the damage.