Dissipation of spring-applied methiozolin in turfgrass systems

Abstract

Methiozolin is applied five or more times per year to control annual bluegrass (Poa annua L.) in cool, temperate areas, but high market demand in the Southern US and recent registration in Australia expands the products use in variable climates. To better design weed control programs for variable turf types, more information is needed to characterize methiozolin dissipation in different turf systems. Methiozolin was applied biweekly thrice to a Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.) lawn and adjacent bare soil in New Jersey and on twelve hybrid bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. x transvaalensis Burtt Davy] putting greens in Virginia. Soil samples were collected immediately following each application and biweekly for 12 additional weeks. Methiozolin was extracted from each soil sample and analyzed using liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry. Methiozolin was detected only within the top 2 cm of the soil (including verdure), but not below 2 cm, demonstrating limited vertical mobility of methiozolin. Dissipation was significantly faster in turf-covered soil compared to bare soil. The time required for 50% methiozolin dissipation was 13 and 3.5 d in bare soil and turf-covered soil, respectively. In Virginia, methiozolin dissipation in the one-month span of three sequential applications differed between years. Methiozolin concentration immediately following the third biweekly application to C. transvaalensis x dactylon greens was approximately 105 and 180% of the concentration immediately following the initial application, in 2021 and 2022, respectively. This difference in methiozolin accumulation following three applications was attributed to differential C. transvaalensis x dactylon greenup during methiozolin treatments each year. Despite differences in post-treatment methiozolin concentration between years, the temporal dissipation rate later into the summer was consistent. Following the final application on C. transvaalensis x dactylon greens, methiozolin dissipated 50 and 90% in 14 and 46 d, respectively. These data suggest that methiozolin dissipates more rapidly in turfgrass systems than in bare soil.