Summer Applied Pre-Emergence Herbicides to Prevent Poa annua Emergence on Fall Overseeded Turf

Abstract

Ronstar and Barricade herbicides were applied to bermudagrass prior to overseeding with perennial ryegrass. For the initial establishment of fall overseeded bermudagrass with perennial ryegrass, Barricade and Ronstar both showed decrease in establishment at thirty days after overseeding (October 26) when compared to the controls. Reductions in turfgrass density after overseeding were realized by all pre-emergence treatments in the mid to late fall, depending on the specific treatment. Ronstar applied in one application at 2.0 lbs AI/A noticeably reduced visual density at 30 and 65 days after overseeding, regardless of the application timing ( 6 vs. 8 weeks) before overseeding. Reductions in turfgrass quality paralleled the reduction in density. Barricade applied at 0.75 lbs AI/A at 6 WBOS showed decreased quality at 30 and 65 days after overseeding. This same treatment caused a noticeable decrease in overall plot density at thirty days after overseeding. At 65 days after overseeding (November 30), quality was not quite fully acceptable (quality mean = 5.8), but acceptable density was achieved (mean density = 6.3). Poa annua (PA) established itself quickly. By November 30 (65 days after overseeding) overseeded- untreated control plots had between 67%-77% Poa annua present. The maximum rate of PA control for Ronstar in March was 74% (showing 15% Poa plot cover) and 61% in April (34% Poa plot cover). This occurred for the 2.0 lb AI/A at 8 WBOS treatment, which was similar to the same rate applied 6 WBOS. Split sequence applications (pre and post) of Ronstar produced low PA control (28%-50%) over the season as measured, when compared to single applications which achieved the same 2 lbs AI/A rate. The greatest amount of PA control was achieved by Barricade applied at 0.75 lb AI/A at 6 WAOS (86%-94% control). No treatment achieved 95% control of PA on a season long basis. Poa pressure at the test site was uniform and heavy.