Use of ethofumesate to control annual meadow - grass in managed amenity turf.

摘要

Annual meadowgrass is a ubiquitous weedgrass that can, and frequently does, invade more desirable sports and general amenity grass swards. Where this occurs, problems with surface stability are common and the use of plant protection products and water increases, particularly for high quality sports surfaces. Stability problems arise because annual meadowgrass forms a shallow-rooted but very dense and "thatchy" sward. This is part of the mechanism that allows the grass to outcompete other more desirable grasses. However, for sports this loosely attached layer of organic matter can easily detach and cause players to slip when turning or stopping. From a management perspective, annual meadow-grass is highly susceptible to turfgrass diseases, particularly microdochium patch (caused by Microdochium nivale [Monographella nivalis]). As a result of this, use of fungicides tends to increase. This grass is also intolerant of drought conditions and water use increases to maintain acceptable appearance. This is generally combined with a need for more frequent and larger fertilizer application. Once established, this grass needs very intensive maintenance to produce acceptable playing quality and appearance. Where stress factors (disease, drought, cold, low fertility) cause problems, the surface provided by this grass will deteriorate rapidly. However, once these issues are addressed, annual meadow-grass is best adapted to exploit the improved growing conditions and reinvade before more desirable grasses establish. Research has demonstrated that use of ethofumesate, particularly in perennial ryegrass dominated sports surfaces, can give very good control of annual meadow-grass. It is important to note that perennial ryegrass is fairly tolerant of ethofumesate but this is not the case for all amenity grass species. The chemical can be very damaging to fescues, other meadow grasses and some bentgrasses. In perennial ryegrass swards, ethofumesate is best used to slow or prevent establishment of annual meadow-grass during the establishment phase. Alternative measures for the control of annual meadowgrass are also discussed.