Response of Common Bermudagrass Turf to Applications of Sulfentrazone

Abstract

Sulfentrazone was applied in single applications at the rates of 0.125, 0.250 and 0.375 lbs. AI/A, and after 30 days in split rate combinations of 0.125/0.125, 0.250/0.250 and 0.125/0.375 lbs. AI/A. Turfgrass color scores were slightly diminished form sulfentrazone characterized by a lighter uniform color change on mowed common bermudagrass. The response was generally rate dependent. Imazaquin caused a light green turf to develop while halsulfuron had no effect. After the first application was made, sulfentrazone treated turfs exhibited leaf twisting/cupping effects at 3 and 7 days after treatment. The degree of effect was also rate dependent. To the lay person, twisting was noticeable only for a short time at the 0.375 lb. AI/A rate. At two weeks after treatment, there was a trace amount of leaf sheath necrosis at the base (older leaves) of common bermudagrass stolons. This was negligible and short lived. At the rates tested in this initial preliminary test, it appears that common bermudagrass seems to be tolerant of sulfentrazone.