Manage goosegrass with resistance management strategies

By Dean Mosdell, Ph.D., technical services manager for Syngenta

Especially in southern areas, goosegrass (Eleusine indica) is one of the most difficult-to-control weeds in golf course turf. It produces abundant seedheads below the mowing height, thrives in compacted soils and tolerates moisture and heat stress. Additionally, resistant populations to several classes of herbicides have been reported.



Goosegrass in Hawaii. Source: Syngenta, 2018.

Pre-emergence herbicides are the backbone of a goosegrass control program, and with the restrictions on Monosodium methanearsonate (MSMA), there are even fewer tools for post-emergence control. Pennant Magnum® herbicide is a chloroacetamide herbicide (group 15) that is strongly absorbed by shoots of germinating grass weeds, inhibiting cell growth by restricting long-chain fatty acid synthesis. A 2(ee) label is available for goosegrass control directions with Pennant Magnum.

A sound resistance management program should utilize all the best tools available for weed control. For a more complete weed management program, Pennant Magnum should be tank-mixed or applied in sequence with Barricade® 4FL herbicide (group 3). When used with Barricade 4FL, Pennant Magnum will control a number of difficult weeds in addition to goosegrass, such as yellow nutsedge, sprangletop and doveweed.

Recent trials have highlighted the advantages of this combination of products for pre-emergence goosegrass control.

 
First image: Application of Pennant Magnum and Barricade 4FL in California. Second image: untreated check plot in California. Source: Syngenta, 2018.

For more information about goosegrass control, download this goosegrass information sheet or watch this GCSAA webinar about solutions for managing grassy weeds.

Performance assessments are based upon results or analysis of public information, field observations and/or internal Syngenta evaluations. Trials reflect treatment rates commonly recommended in the marketplace.

All photos are either the property of Syngenta or are used with permission.

© 2022 Syngenta. Important: Always read and follow label instructions. Some products may not be registered for sale or use in all states or counties and/or may have state-specific use requirements. Please check with your local extension service to ensure registration and proper use. Syngenta supports a FIFRA Section 2(ee) recommendation for Pennant Magnum on goosegrass. Please see the section 2(ee) recommendation to confirm that the recommendation is applicable in your state. The Section 2(ee) recommendation for Pennant Magnum must be in the possession of the user at the time of application. Barricade®, Pennant Magnum® and the Syngenta logo are trademarks of a Syngenta Group Company.

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