(By Jared Hoyle, KSU Turfgrass Research and Extension)
Did you apply a preemergent herbicide this year and still have crabgrass? There are many different reasons you may have break through from a preemergent herbicide application. If the turf is stressed and thin, along with over use of the turf and misapplications are some reasons you may be seeing crabgrass pop-up across many turfgrass areas.
Good news! There are some postemergent herbicide options out there for crabgrass control. But depending on how big or how many tillers the crabgrass has will help you determine what product to use. First, determine the size or stage of crabgrass you have present.
Here is a picture to show the tillering stages of crabgrass.
The smaller the crabgrass the easier it is to kill it. The tillered crabgrass may take more than one application and higher rates so make sure you check the label for correct application rates and intervals.
- dithopyr – Can provide control to crabgrass up to one tiller stage. This product also has preemergence activity.
- quinclorac – Can be applied on most cool- and warm-season turfgrass species. This product controls crabgrass when it is one tiller or smaller or when it has four or more tillers.
- mesotrione – Can be effective for crabgrass control but in most cases will take two applications at two week intervals. The label also states that applications must be made before the four tiller crabgrass stage.
- topramazone – Similar to mesotrione, this product will require two applications at three week intervals. Use at higher rates on crabgrass that have greater than one tiller.
- fenoxaprop – Are very effective in controlling crabgrass. Label states that this product can be applied to annual grasses up to the five tiller stage. Remember not to tank mix with products that contain 2,4-D, antagonism can occur.
As one last reminder, do not apply post emergent herbicides when temperatures are greater than 85 deg F. This will increase the risk of turfgrass injury.
Always remember to READ THE LABEL for the correct rate, turfgrass tolerance, and specific instructions before application!!!
***Mention of trade names or commercial products in this article is solely for identification purposes and does not imply recommendation or endorsement, nor is criticism implied of similar products not mentioned by Kansas State University.***
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