Control of Annual Bluegrass (Poa annua) in Overseeded Bermudagrass (Cynodonspp.) Golf Greens

Abstract

Ethofumesate, [(+)-2-ethoxy-2,3-dihydro-3,3-dimethyl-5-benzofuranyl methanesulfonate] applied preemergence provided selective control of annual bluegrass (Poa annuaL.) in perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenneL.) overseeded on dormant bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon(L.) Pers. XC. transvaalensisBurtt Davy ‘Tifdwarf’] golf greens. Control in excess of 95% was obtained with single applications at the 2.2 kg/ha rate in 2 of 3 yr, but multiple applications were required when ethofumesate was applied at 1.1 kg/ha or less. Ethofumesate caused temporary cessation of bermudagrass growth when applied in the fall. February applications slowed the spring transition to bermudagrass.