Innovative Approaches to Goosegrass (Eleusine indica (L.) Gaertn.) Control and Turfgrass Safety.

Goosegrass (Eleusine indica (L.) Gaertn.) is a major turfgrass weed in various turf scenarios in many parts of the world. One of the challenges facing turfgrass managers with infestations of goosegrass, is non-target turfgrass species response, especially warm season turfgrass species to many POST herbicides. Investigations into innovative methods of improving turfgrass safety and delivering effective goosegrass control included irrigation immediately following the application of root absorbed herbicides. It is hypothesized turfgrass species are less sensitive to the herbicide when root absorbed. In a preliminary study, turfgrass not immediately irrigated, lead to unacceptable (>30%) turfgrass phytotoxicity. Goosegrass maturity also plays a role in the efficacy of the control products as mature goosegrass typically has a higher tolerance to POST herbicides. Results of these and additional studies will be reviewed.