Figure 1. For goosegrass control, the product label recommends a single application at 1.5 to 2.0 lb ai/A before crabgrass emergence and a second application at 1.5 lb ai/A 5 to 8 weeks later. For example, dithiopyr could be applied at 0.25 lb ai/A in April and again at 0.25 lb ai/A 6 to 8 weeks later. Most pre-emergence herbicides must be applied and watered into the soil before the weed seed germinates to be effective. If drought, disease, killing existing weeds, or other conditions create voids in the turfgrass canopy, weed seeds will germinate in these voids. Lower rates will provide broadleaf weed control, higher rates are required for crabgrass control. Desirable turfgrasses are more competitive under deep and infrequent irrigation since these grasses typically have deeper roots than crabgrass or goosegrass seedlings. Pre-emergence herbicides should be applied to well-established, mature turfgrass. Goosegrass typically germinates 3 to 4 weeks after crabgrass. The seedheads are similar in appearance to crabgrass but the seeds are slightly larger than crabgrass seeds and the spikes on the seedhead are often described as being “zipper-like” in appearance. Most herbicides listed below will also provide control of other summer annual grasses such as yellow and green foxtail (Setaria pumila and Setaria viridis, respectively) and barnyardgrass (Echinochloa crus-galli). Include a non-ionic surfactant. Do Not Sell My Personal Information, ©2020 Total Landscape Care Posted by. The rate of quinclorac is especially important to determine the efficacy of a product against crabgrass. Close. “Companies have perfected the load and spread rate so that liquid and granular applications are similar – we don’t see a big difference.”, ©2020 Total Landscape Care They’ve perfected the science,” Miller says. Crabgrass typically germinates mid- to late April in central and northern New Jersey and early to mid-April in southern parts of the state. Goosegrass germinates when soil temperatures reach 60°F, which is usually at least two weeks later than crabgrass. The leaf blades are å_ inch wide and 2 to 10 inches long. In areas with a history of moderate to severe goosegrass or crabgrass infestations, it is more economical and effective to rely primarily on pre-emergence herbicides and use post-emergence herbicides where plants "escape" the pre-emergence herbicide. Dithiopyr does not provide early post-emergence control of goosegrass or other weeds. They form a tight, spreading clump that can reach over 2 feet wide. Copyright © 2020 Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey. Light and frequent irrigation throughout the growing season is not desirable as it keeps the soil surface moist and encourages weed seedlings to survive and grow. Point of Collection Notice Point of Collection Notice Crabgrass species (Digitaria spp.) Goosegrass can be identified via its finger-like seed head. Both crabgrass and goosegrass are tropical grasses that like hot, dry conditions and climates. Add a non-ionic surfactant to fenoxaprop-ethyl to improve efficacy. So during summer months where cool-season turf is growing, these weeds have an advantage. Nutsedge is a perennial, grass-like lawn weed. 8a. Kathleen Connolly. Crabgrass roots form a shallow crab-like structure while a quackgrass root system forms rhizomes that grow horizontally and deep into the soil. You can treat after the weed has emerged and is actively growing. Use caution when applying SpeedZone in the summertime as 2,4-D ester can volatilize and cause off-target damage to sensitive plants nearby. For example, on a site with a history of moderate to severe infestations, a strong pre-emergence herbicide program is important. Combining a higher height of cut with proper fertilization will create a dense turfgrass canopy that will shade the soil and create a more difficult environment for weed seedlings to survive. Best postemergence control of crabgrass and goosegrass is obtained when applied to plants with fewer than 4 tillers. Fenoxaprop is especially sensitive to drought stress. Goosegrass is a tremendous problem in the transition zone and farther south since it germinates later than crabgrass, and many preemergence herbicides are less active on goosegrass than crabgrass. These weeds are annuals, meaning they germinate from seed when soil temperatures reach a threshold level. Apply Tenacity at 5 oz/A in perennial ryegrass or fine fescue and 8 oz/A in Kentucky bluegrass or tall fescue. A single application at 0.5 lb ai/A or sequential applications at 0.25 lb ai/A will often provide season-long crabgrass control in New Jersey. Pylex will provide control of leaf stage goosegrass at 0.25 fl oz/A. Post-emergence herbicides are formulated to kill weeds that have already germinated. 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