Hubbard, Ore. – After three years of Velocity herbicide research trials, test sponsor Tee-2-Green announced a successful program for eliminating Poa annua in bentgrass fairways and re-establishing more desirable species.
“After years of intense testing, a new program was developed that allows Velocity to be applied at very low dose rates while still maintaining effectiveness,” saysJason Fausey, PhD, research scientist at Valent. “The program allows for very broad application periods which is important to superintendents in various geographies.”
The program consists of applications of Velocity every two weeks at the lower rate of 10 to 15 grams per acre, plus using a spiker/seeder to incorporate bentgrass seed into the treated areas, which will germinate and replace the dying Poa annua.
“The most important aspect of the program is the ability to eradicate and replace Poa annua without the dramatic and sudden loss of grass,” said Fausey. “For the first time, there’s an effective way to manage annual bluegrass -- one of the most diverse weeds of our time.”
It was also discovered throughout the trials that seeding must preceed the spraying of Velocity to avoid plugging the spiker/seeder with drying Poa annua.
