Control of Annual Bluegrass (<i>Poa annua</i>) in Overseeded Bermudagrass (<i>Cynodon</i>spp.) Golf Greens

Abstract

Ethofumesate, [(+)-2-ethoxy-2,3-dihydro-3,3-dimethyl-5-benzofuranyl methanesulfonate] applied preemergence provided selective control of annual bluegrass ( Poa annua L.) in perennial ryegrass ( Lolium perenne L.) overseeded on dormant bermudagrass [ Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. X C. transvaalensis Burtt 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.