Cool-season turf managers can keep the pressure on goosegrass with multiple applications through the season. Todd Lowe, senior agronomist for the Florida Green Section for the USGA, talks about dealing with the weed this month.
What are the major weed pressures in the region right now?
The major weed problems throughout our region are goosegrass and tropical signalgrass.
How is weather affecting the southern region this month?
The weather hasn’t seemed to impact goosegrass problems in Florida.
What does the goosegrass pressure look like this year?
The goosegrass pressure looks “normal” for this time of year. It is lower at facilities with budgets that allow for more treatments and it is more at clubs with less money.
What are some of the factors that could affect goosegrass growth right now?
When it comes to weeds, a strong offense in turf density is your best defense against weeds. Keep the turf healthy with fertilization, as a dense turf canopy dissuades weed seed germination and establishment.
What can superintendents do to keep ahead of it this year?
To keep ahead of goosegrass, you need to treat early, when the plant is young and you need to plan on re-applying postemergence herbicides shortly after the plants recover. Get it on the run and keep it on the run. Plants are harder to kill as they form seeheads and “harden off.”
What should superintendents do if it starts showing up?
Superintendents need to remember the art of hand-pulling, especially in high profile areas and on putting greens. Personally, I prefer a knife with a serrated edge the severs the roots more easily, especially on putting greens. On greens, you want to reduce the likelihood of turf damage.