Erect and Prostrate Spurge Biology and Management in Turf1
Erect and prostrate spurges (Chamaesyce spp.) are erect or upright annuals with branched stems. Leaves are opposite and not equal. Stems produce "milky sap." A large number of spurge species occur in Florida. Reproduction occurs via seed.
Prostrate spurge (C. humistrata) has freely branched prostrate stems that root at the nodes. Stems are smooth or hairy. Leaves are not symmetrical and usually have a reddish spot.
Erect or Hyssop spurge (C. hyssopifolia) is an erect or ascending annual with smooth stems and leaves that branch at upper nodes. Leaves are oblong to linear with toothed margins.
Credit: D.E.P. Telenko
Credit: D.E.P. Telenko
Credit: D.E.P. Telenko
Herbicide options for controlling erect and prostrate spurge in Florida turfgrass
(Always refer to the label for specific uses, application rates, and turfgrass tolerance.)
Refer to the publication Pest Control Guide for Turfgrass Managers at https://nwdistrict.ifas.ufl.edu/phag/files/2015/04/2012_UF_Pest_Control_Guide.pdf for brand names associated with chemical names listed.
Bermudagrass
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Preemergence: dithiopyr, dimethenamid-P, isoxaben, simazine
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Postemergence: carfentrazone, 2,4-D+dicamba, dicamba, metribuzin, metsulfuron, sulfentrazone, sulfentrazone+prodiamine, sulfentrazone+quinclorac, sulfentrazone+2,4-D+MCPP+dicamba, thiencarbazone+iodosulfuron+dicamba, trifloxysulfuron
St. Augustinegrass
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Preemergence: atrazine, dithiopyr, dimethenamid-P, isoxaben, simazine
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Postemergence: atrazine, carfentrazone, 2,4-D+dicamba (follow label recommendations to minimize turf injury), metsulfuron, simazine, sulfentrazone, thiencarbazone+iodosulfuron+dicamba
Centipedegrass
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Preemergence: atrazine, dithiopyr, dimethenamid-P, isoxaben, simazine
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Postemergence: atrazine, carfentrazone, 2,4-D+dicamba, dicamba, metsulfuron, simazine, sulfentrazone, sulfentrazone+prodiamine, sulfentrazone+quinclorac, sulfentrazone+2,4-D+MCCP+dicamba, thiencarbazone+iodosulfuron+dicamba
Bahiagrass
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Preemergence: dithiopyr, dimethenamid-P, isoxaben
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Postemergence: carfentrazone, 2,4-D+dicamba, dicamba, sulfentrazone, sulfentrazone+prodiamine, sulfentrazone+2,4-D+MCCP+dicamba
Seashore Paspalum
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Preemergence: dithiopyr, dimethenamid-P
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Postemergence: carfentrazone, sulfentrazone, sulfentrazone+prodiamine, sulfentrazone+quinclorac
Zoysiagrass
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Preemergence: atrazine, dithiopyr, dimethenamid-P, isoxaben, simazine
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Postemergence: atrazine, carfentrazone, 2,4-D+dicamba, dicamba, metsulfuron, simazine, sulfentrazone, sulfentrazone+prodiamine, sulfentrazone+quinclorac, sulfentrazone+2,4-D+MCCP+dicamba, thiencarbazone+iodosulfuron+dicamba, trifloxysulfuron
Perennial Ryegrass
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Preemergence: dimethenamid-P
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Postemergence: carfentrazone, 2,4-D+dicamba, dicamba, sulfentrazone, sulfentrazone+prodiamine, sulfentrazone+quinclorac, triclopyr +clopyralid