Evaluation of Herbicides for Ground Ivy (Glechoma hederacea) Control at Two Application Timings

Ground ivy (Glechoma hederacea) is a creeping perennial broadleaf species that is difficult to control in turf. The effective use of herbicides for ground ivy control is well documented, but the efficacy of spring applications in comparison to fall applications has received limited investigation. Field experiments were conducted to determine if herbicide selection-by-application timing (fall or spring) interactions exist for the control of ground ivy across three separate environments in Indiana or Tennessee. Herbicides containing 2,4-D, fluroxypyr, triclopyr, iodosulfuron, thiencarbazone, and aminocyclopyrachlor or mixtures of these ingredients controlled ground ivy most (>53%) at both timings. With the exception of metsulfuron and fluroxypyr, most of the herbicides provided consistent ground ivy control when applied in either the fall or the spring. Differences in ground ivy control between herbicides were much greater than differences between spring and fall application timings. This research indicates that proper herbicide selection has a larger influence on ground ivy control than fall or spring application timings.