Herbicide tolerance during seedling establishment in cool and warm season turfgrass

The turfgrass industry contributes more than $6 billion to the economy of Texas each year (Lard et al., 1996). Not only is the economic contribution of the turfgrass industry vital to the State's economy, but the aesthetic value of turfgrass is important to the quality of life. West Texas is a transitional area where both cool season and warm season grasses are seeded to establish lawns, golf courses and athletic fields, as well as for erosion control (Beard, 1973). Seeding turfgrass is a popular and economical method used by professionals as well as homeowners. However, the high soil pH and the broad weed spectrum in this region requires tailoring herbicide recommendations based on both the species and the time of establishment. Limited information is available on using herbicides to enhance turfgrass establishment under the semi-arid environmental conditions of West Texas.

Two field experiments were conducted in 1994 and 1995 at Lubbock, Texas, to determine turfgrass seedling tolerance to herbicides commonly used in established turfgrass. These studies were conducted to evaluate: 1) cool season turfgrass seedling tolerance to preemergence herbicides; 2) cool season turfgrass seedling tolerance to postemergence herbicides; 3) warm season turfgrass seedling tolerance to preemergence herbicides; and 4) warm season turfgrass seedling tolerance to postemergence herbicides. This information could be used to develop comprehensive weed management strategies for turfgrass establishment across the region.