Effect of Reed-Sedge Peat Moss on Hybrid Bermudagrass Injury with Indaziflam and Prodiamine in Sand-Based Root Zones

Abstract

PRE herbicides have been reported to injure both the foliage and roots of hybrid bermudagrass turf established in sand culture. Research was conducted to evaluate the influence of reed-sedge peat moss (RSPM) on hybrid bermudagrass injury following PRE herbicide applications to plants established in sand culture. Washed sod plugs were established in mini-rhizotrons constructed with sand root-zones varying in organic carbon content (0.000, 0.003, 0.007, and 0.012 kg kg −1 ). Herbicide treatments included indaziflam (35 and 52.5 g ai ha −1 ) and prodiamine (840 g ai ha −1 ). Significant foliar injury was only observed with indaziflam at 52.5 g ha −1 . When applied to plants in sand with no detectable (0.000 kg kg −1 ) organic carbon, foliar injury measured 61% by 6 wk after treatment. Comparatively, injury with indaziflam at 52.5 g ha −1 was reduced by 40% with applications to plants established in sand with 0.007 kg kg −1 organic carbon. Root length, root length density, and root surface area were greatest in sand-based root zones with ≥ 0.007 kg kg −1 organic carbon regardless of herbicide treatment; however, only indaziflam (52.5 g ha −1 ) and prodiamine-treated plants exhibited diminished root parameters relative to the nontreated check. Data in the current study illustrate that RSPM can affect above- and belowground injury following PRE herbicide applications to hybrid bermudagrass in sand root-zones.