the Fate of Field Paspalum Control - The Paginator

Fusilade II may be
a viable alternative
to MSMA for postemergence
control
of field paspalum in
tall fescue, but it
has limitations.
perennial ryegrass plots, control ranged
from 73% to 94%, and 91% to 98%
control in the Tupersan-treated plots.
The hard fescue developed more
slowly and thus was more heavily
colonized by field paspalum. In hard
fescue, field paspalum cover ranged
from 22% to 50% in Tenacitytreated
plots, whereas only 5% field
paspalum cover (94% control) was
observed in Tupersan-treated hard
fescue. This may be the first report
of preemergence control of field
paspalum at spring seeding in coolseason
turf with any herbicide.
Conclusions
Fusilade II may be a viable alternative
to MSMA for postemergence control
of field paspalum in tall fescue, but
it has limitations. Interestingly, Dr.
Jim Brosnsan (at The University of
Tennessee) reported in 2010 that
Fusilade II applied just one time in
early spring at 0.09 lb. ai/A (5.6 fl. oz.
product/A) provided 90% dallisgrass
control. Conversely, when Fusilade
II was applied in early summer, the
level of dallisgrass control was poor.
The Fusilade II label is somewhat
vague on how to use this herbicide.
The label simply states that Fusliade
II is to be used for the suppression
and/or control of common bermudagrass,
hybrid bermudagrass and other
grass weeds in zoysiagrass and tall
fescue. It is not for use on home lawns.
There is no mention of any paspalum
species being a target weed on the
SUMMER 2011
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