Comparison of Two Rates and Two Formulations of Imazaquin for Control of Purple Nutsedge

Purple nutsedge (Cyperus rotundus) is a major warm season weed in turfgrass, landscape and agricultural settings. It’s long term persistence is achieved in part by (1) the production of tubers with numerous growing points (2) the ability to produce multiple plants from basal bulbuls at the soil level and (3) the tolerance to defoliation and/or soil cultivation. In turf, purple nutsedge can tolerate almost any mowing regime, and is competitive (in it's growth habit) with turfgrasses. Imazaquin (IMAGE) herbicide has been commercially available in the turfgrass market for almost 12 years for use in warm season turfgrasses for the control of purple nutsedge. Research conducted in the late 1980's at the University of Arizona showed that Image (EC formulation) provided adequate control of purple nutsedge when (1) multiple applications were applied 25 days apart (2) at the 0.50 lb. ai./a rate. In this scenario 98% nutsedge control was achieved (on 100 % nutsedge plots, mowed weekly at 2.5 inches). Repeat applications were still necessary after regrowth (presumably from growing points from underground nutlets). These results were achieved using the 1.5 EC (emulsifiable concentrate formulation). A new test was conducted in 1999, evaluating both the 1.5 EC and 70 DG (dispersible granule) formulations applied at two rates (0.375 lb. ai./a. and 0.50 lb. ai./a). Mean percent weed control on the three evaluation dates of August 17, August 29 and September 16 ranged from 25% to 32%, 50% to 68% and 55% to 75%, respectively. These dates represent the time intervals of 18 DAT/1, 30 DAT/1 and 17 DAT/2. On all three evaluations dates (where measured), the degree of injury, color and percent nutsedge infestation level was significant for the overall "treatment" effect at P=0.05, or less. (Tables 1,2). Actual percent weed control (based on the mean of control plots) was significant on August 29 (30 DAT/1) and on September 16 (17 DAT/2:47 DAT/1). Maximum weed control of 75% was achieved by the EC @ 0.50 lbs. ai./a. at 17 days after the second application. Percent weed control for the DG @ 0.50 lbs. ai./a. was greatest (61%) at that time also