(By Jared Hoyle; KSU Turfgrass Research and Extension)
Goosegrass (Eleusine indica) is a summer annual weed that typically germinates after crabgrass in the spring. That is about when the soil temperatures consistently reach approximately 60° F. Like crabgrass, goosegrass is best controlled with a preemergence herbicide. Herbicides that contain the active ingredient oxadiazon work very well. Other preemergence herbicide efficacy can vary.
But as it seems like everyone has already put down preemergence herbicide so, you have nothing to worry about. Well what if you didn’t? There are some post application control options.
To determine what herbicide you want to use this summer to control goosegrass, that might have escaped your PRE treatment or maybe you have the ‘itch’ to go kill some goosegrass, it all depends on the turfgrass you have. If you have cool-season turfgrass then you can use fenoxaprop (Acclaim Extra), fluazifop (Fusilade II), tropramizone (Pylex), or MSMA (golf courses and sod farms only!). You will probably have to do more than one application if the goosegrass is tillered out. Sulfentrazone (Dismiss) is also effective on goosegrass if it has not tillered out yet.
Now if you have bermudagrass or zoysiagrass then you can use Tribute TOTAL (thiencarbazone + foramsulfuron + halosulfuron). Fusilade II and Acclaim Extra that works in cool-season grass can also be used on zoysiagrass. If you mix these products with triclopyr (Turflon Ester Ultra or Triclopyr 4) then you will get better results.
Always remember to READ THE LABEL for the correct rate, turfgrass tolerance, and specific instructions before application!!!
I hope the poem wasn’t boring but added a little fun to this turfgrass weed science blog post.
Hope everyone has a great rest of the week and weekend!
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