10/30/2023 - By Dr. Jeff Atkinson

Study:              Goosegrass (Eleusine indica) control using fertilizer w/ StayGuard 0.125% in common bermudagrass

Location:             East Tennessee AgResearch and Education Center, Knoxville, TN

Investigator:     Dr. Jim Brosnan and Greg Breeden

Summary:           A field trial was conducted by researchers at the University of Tennessee to investigate the efficacy of Fertilizer w/ StayGuard 0.125% applied at 200 or 300 lbs./A for preemergence goosegrass control. Fertilizer blends included POLYON 43-0-0 mini and sulfate of potash. Blends were formulated so that all treatments received similar nutrient inputs. Treatments were applied to a stand of common bermudagrass on April 24, 2023. Six weeks after treatment (WAT) StayGuard provided 100% goosegrass control relative to the nontreated when applied at 200 or 300 lbs./A. Nine WAT StayGuard provided >90% goosegrass control when applied at 300 lbs./A. By 14 WAT, StayGuard no longer provided acceptable goosegrass control. No turfgrass injury was observed on any rating date.

Figure 1. Goosegrass control following application of StayGuard 0.125% on Fertilizer. Treatments were applied on 24 April 2023. No significant differences were detected between treatments within any rating date. WAT = Weeks After Treatment. East Tennessee AgResearch and Education Center, Knoxville, TN.