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Publication #ENH1133

Goosegrass Biology and Management in Turf1

Darcy E. Partridge-Telenko, Bryan Unruh, and Barry J. Brecke2

Figure 1. 

Goosegrass (Eleusine indica), also known as silver crabgrass or crowfoot, is a major turf weed found throughout Florida. It is a tough, clumped, dark green summer annual with a generally "whitish to silverish" coloration at the center of the plant. The leaf blade is smooth on both surfaces and occasionally a few hairs can be found near the base. It measures 0.2 to 0.4 inches wide. The visible ligule is short-toothed and membranous. Seedhead spikelets form in two rows on 2 to 13 "fingers." Frequently, a single finger will form below the terminal cluster of fingers. Goosegrass tolerates close mowing, and compacted, wet or dry soils. In the spring, goosegrass will germinate when soil temperatures reach 63–65°F for at least 24 consecutive hours.

Turf management practices that reduce soil compaction and excess soil moisture and that maintain healthy turf will minimize goosegrass infestation. A number of preemergence herbicides are available for goosegrass control and should be made in late winter or early spring when soil temperatures reach 60°F for 24 consecutive hours. Postemergence control is dependent on turfgrass species and will require repeat applications of herbicides for successful management of goosegrass.

Figure 2. 

Herbicide options for controlling goosegrass in Florida turfgrass

(Always refer to the label for specific uses, application rates and turfgrass tolerance)

Figure 3. 

Bermudagrass

  • Preemergence: benefin + oryzalin, benefin + trifluralin, bensulide, dithiopyr, metolachlor, napropamide, oryzalin, oxadiazon, pendimethalin and prodiamine

  • Postemergence: MSMA + metribuzin, diclofop-methyl, formasulfuron

St. Augustinegrass

  • Preemergence: benefin + oryzalin, benefin + trifluralin, dithiopyr, metolachlor, napropamide, oryzalin, oxadiazon, pendimethalin and prodiamine

  • Postemergence: mesotrione (sod production only)

Centipedegrass

  • Preemergence: benefin + oryzalin, benefin + trifluralin, dithiopyr, metolachlor, napropamide, oryzalin, pendimethalin and prodiamine

  • Postemergence: clethodim (sod production only), mesotrione, sethoxydim

Bahiagrass

  • Preemergence: benefin + oryzalin, benefin + trifluralin, dithiopyr, metolachlor, napropamide, oryzalin, pendimethalin and prodiamine

  • Postemergence: none

Seashore paspalum

  • Preemergence: dithiopyr, oxadiazon, pendimethalin and prodiamine

  • Postemergence: none

Zoysiagrass

  • Preemergence: benefin + oryzalin, benefin + trifluralin, bensulide + oxadiazon, dithiopyr, metolachlor, napropamide, oryzalin, oxadiazon, pendimethalin and prodiamine

  • Postemergence: fenoxaprop, fluazifop, formasulfuron

Perennial ryegrass

  • Preemergence: bensulide, dithiopyr, oxadiazone, pendimethalin, prodiamine

  • Postemergence: fenoxaprop (unless on overseeded turf)

Refer to the publication Pest Control Guide for Turfgrass Management at http://turf.ufl.edu for brand names associated with chemical names listed.

Footnotes

1.

This document is ENH 1133, one of a series of the Environmental Horticulture Department, Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida. Original publication date, June 2009. Adapted from: Tim R. Murphy, Daniel L. Colvin, Ray Dickens, John W. Everest, David Hall, and L.B. McCarty. Weeds of Southern Turfgrasses. University of Florida, 1992. Visit the EDIS Web site at http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu.

2.

Darcy E. Partridge-Telenko, postdoctoral research associate; J. Bryan Unruh, associate professor, Environmental Horticulture Department; and Barry J. Brecke, professor, Agronomy Department; West Florida Research and Education Center, Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, 32611.

The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) is an Equal Opportunity Institution authorized to provide research, educational information and other services only to individuals and institutions that function with non-discrimination with respect to race, creed, color, religion, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, political opinions or affiliations. For more information on obtaining other extension publications, contact your county Cooperative Extension service.

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Cooperative Extension Service, University of Florida, IFAS, Florida A. & M. University Cooperative Extension Program, and Boards of County Commissioners Cooperating. Millie Ferrer-Chancy, Interim Dean.