Goosegrass (Eleusine indica) Control in Bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon) Turf

Abstract

Combinations of MSMA (Monosodium methanearsonate) with either methazole [2-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-4-methyl-1,2,4-oxadiazolidine-3,5-dione] or metribuzin [4-amino-6-tert-butyl-3-(methylthio)-as-triazin-5(4H)-one] were applied at various rates for postemergence control of fully developed goosegrass [Eleusine indica(L.) Gaertn.], a major weed grass in bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon(L.) Pers.] turf. Two applications of MSMA at 2.24 kg/ha applied in combination with either methazole or metribuzin at 0.14 kg/ha controlled 96 to 98% of the goosegrass and it was as effective as methazole (1.12 kg/ha) or metribuzin (0.56 kg/ha) applied alone. Two applications of methazole (1.12 kg/ha) or metribuzin (0.56 kg/ha) had lower quality ratings (28 and 39, respectively) on bermudagrass putting green at 2 weeks after treatment than combinations of MSMA (2.24 kg/ha) with either methazole (0.14 kg/ha) or metribuzin (0.14 kg/ha) (54 and 59, respectively). The initial injury from combination treatments was not severe and turf recovered within 3 to 4 weeks.