Evaluation of Alternative Herbicides for Southern Crabgrass (Digitaria ciliaris) Control in St. Augustinegrass

• DOI: 10.1614/wt-d-14-00094.1
• Publication Date: 2015-04-06T16:49:47Z
• Authors: Brian D. Glenn; Barry J. Brecke; J. Bryan Unruh; Jason A. Ferrell; Kevin E. Kenworthy; Greg E. MacDonald
• Keywords: Digitaria sanguinalis; Tiller (botany)

Southern crabgrass is a common turfgrass weed throughout the United States, and in Florida troublesome problem St. Augustinegrass lawns. Because of herbicide label changes lack tolerance, no POST herbicides are currently registered for homeowner use control residential commercial Alternative methods, including cultural practices unconventional herbicides, have been investigated to limited extent postemergence control. In this study, alternative evaluated included 30% acetic acid, borax, sodium bicarbonate, Garden Weasel AG Crabgrass Killer (sodium bicarbonate formulation cinnamon, wheat corn flour, cumin). Treatments were applied southern at three growth stages (one two leaf, four or one tiller). greenhouse, acid twice 280 L ha −1 rates 976 1,465 kg provided ≥ 70% two–leaf when 7 d after initial application (DAIA). No treatment > four–leaf two–tiller any size beyond DAIA. field trials, acceptable (≥ 70%) stage. Initial turf injury was unacceptable most Killer, causing 20% By 21 DAIA, levels had fallen ≤ treatments. high little residual control, tested not an effective substitute using preemergence If other options available, they may role as spot Augustinegrass.