By Lane Tredway, Ph.D., technical services manager for Syngenta

Especially in southern areas, goosegrass (Eleusine indica) is one of the most difficult-to-control weeds in golf course turf. It produces abundant seedheads below the mowing height, thrives in compacted soils and tolerates moisture and heat stress. Additionally, populations that are resistant to several classes of herbicides have been reported.



Goosegrass in Hawaii. Source: Syngenta, 2018.

Pre-emergent herbicides are the backbone of a goosegrass control program, and with the restrictions on Monosodium methanearsonate (MSMA), there are even fewer tools for post-emergent control. Pennant Magnum^® herbicide is a chloroacetamide herbicide (group 15) that is strongly absorbed by shoots of germinating grass weeds, inhibiting cell growth by restricting long-chain fatty acid synthesis. A 2(ee) label is available for goosegrass control directions with Pennant Magnum.

A sound resistance management program should utilize all the best tools available for weed control. For a more complete weed management program, Pennant Magnum should be tank mixed or applied in sequence with Barricade^® 4FL herbicide (Group 3). When used with Barricade 4FL, Pennant Magnum will control a number of difficult weeds in addition to goosegrass, such as yellow nutsedge, sprangletop and doveweed.

For more information on how to incorporate Barricade, Pennant Magnum and Monument^® herbicides into a comprehensive program, download the Most Wanted Weeds brochure.

Recent trials have highlighted the advantages of this combination of products for pre-emergent goosegrass control.

Pre-emergent goosegrass control in bermudagrass turf

For more information about goosegrass control watch this GCSAA webinar about solutions for managing grassy weeds.

Performance assessments are based upon results or analysis of public information, field observations and/or internal Syngenta evaluations. Trials reflect treatment rates commonly recommended in the marketplace.

All photos are either the property of Syngenta or are used with permission.

© 2024 Syngenta. Important: Always read and follow label instructions. Some products may not be registered for sale or use in all states or counties and/or may have state-specific use requirements. Please check with your local extension service to ensure registration and proper use. Barricade^®, Monument^®, Pennant Magnum^® and the Syngenta logo are trademarks of a Syngenta Group Company. All other trademarks are the property of their respective third-party owners.