Mesotrione Activity on Crabgrass (Digitariaspp.) as Influenced by Nitrogen Fertilization Rate, Source, and Timing

Abstract

Mesotrione, a 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase-inhibiting herbicide, is labeled for PRE and POST crabgrass control. It has enhanced efficacy on smooth and large crabgrass when applied in conjunction with soil-applied nitrogen (N). The objectives of this study, using crabgrass as the weed species, were to (1) determine the influence of N rate and tissue N concentration on mesotrione activity, (2) determine the influence of N source on mesotrione activity, and (3) determine the influence of N application timing on mesotrione activity. Large crabgrass plants that received 12 kg N ha−1or more before mesotrione application had more bleached and necrotic leaves compared with plants that received 0 kg N ha−17 d after treatment (DAT) in the greenhouse. Although N application rates as high as 98 kg N ha−1were tested, 90% leaf bleaching and necrosis were observed with rates of 8.9 or 10.1 kg N ha−1in Tennessee and Indiana, respectively. Nitrogen concentration in large crabgrass leaf and stem tissue on the day of the mesotrione application was closely related to the bleaching and necrosis symptoms observed 7 DAT. Although N rate influenced mesotrione activity, N source did not. Nitrogen application timing was also important, with N applications 3, 1, and 0 d before a mesotrione application having the highest percentage of bleached and necrotic leaves in greenhouse experiments. Both greenhouse and field trials support the finding that N applications in proximity to the mesotrione application enhance herbicide activity. Thus, practitioners can pair N and POST mesotrione applications together or in proximity to enhance crabgrass control.

Field evaluation of weed suppression in fine fescue (Festuca spp.)

“…Individual crabgrass plants can produce as many as 145,000–210,000 seeds (Turner et al., 2012), and it has been estimated that as few as one to three mature plants per 0.84 m 2 are necessary to form complete crabgrass ground cover in a single season (Peters & Dunn, 1971). Postemergence control of crabgrass in cool‐season turfgrass is possible with herbicides, such as fenoxaprop (ethyl 2‐[4‐[(6‐chloro‐1,3‐benzoxazol‐2‐yl)oxy]phenoxy]propanoate), mesotrione (2‐(4‐mesyl‐2‐nitrobenzoyl) cyclohexane‐1,3‐dione), quinclorac (3,7‐dichloroquinoline‐8‐carboxylic acid; N ‐methylmethanamine), and topramezone (4‐[3‐(4,5‐dihydro‐1,2‐oxazol‐3‐yl)−2‐methyl‐4‐methylsulfonylbenzoyl]−2‐methyl‐1 H ‐pyrazol‐3‐one), but efficacy is variable from year to year depending on the level of crabgrass maturity and other environmental factors (Beck et al., 2015; Brosnan et al., 2014a ; Dernoeden et al., 2003 ; Hart et al., 2017). Furthermore, the potential for postemergence herbicides to injure desirable turfgrasses and the additional cost of postemergence herbicides in comparison to preemergence herbicides are reasons to consider alternative control strategies (Patton et al., 2020).…”

Hydroseeding with mesotrione in tankmix for establishment of perennial ryegrass

“…Many herbicides are labeled for use on established turfgrass but few are labeled for use before or at seeding. Mesotrione (2-[4-(methylsulfonyl)-2-nitrobenzoyl]-1,3-cyclohexanedione, sold as "Tenacity") is an effective preemergence and postemergence herbicide that controls common turfgrass weeds and is labeled for use both during 2008; Golob, Johnston, Proctor, & Williams, 2013;Jones & Christians, 2007), annual bluegrass (Poa annua L.; Elmore, Brosnan, & Kopsell, 2013;Reicher, Sousek, & Giese, 2017;Reicher, Weisenberger, Morton, Branham, & Sharp, 2011) and other weeds (Beck et al, 2015;Brewer, Willis, Rana, & Askew, 2017;Brosnan, Breeden, & Elmore, 2010a, 2010b.…”

Role of nitrogen and herbicides in integrated management of mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) in cool-season forage grasses

“…Crop and weed competition for available resources may vary depending upon the amount of available nitrogen in the soil (Lindquist et al 2010;Swanton et al 2015). Nitrogen fertilization also influences weed population dynamics and improves competitive ability of desirable vegetation (Anderson et al 1998;Beck et al 2015;Kirkland and Beckie 1998;Lamoureaux and Bourdôt 2007;O'Donovan et al 1997;Tzialla et al 2002;Van Delden et al 2002) and impacts the efficacy of multiple herbicide families (Dickson et al 1990;Sonderskov et al 2012). Greater than 15% bleaching injury to crabgrass (Digitaria spp.)…”

“…Greater than 15% bleaching injury to crabgrass (Digitaria spp.) was reported when mesotrione was combined with nitrogen fertilization at 12 or 25 kg ha −1 compared with no nitrogen (Beck et al 2015;Elmore et al 2012). Often, lower herbicide rates have resulted in acceptable weed control when herbicides were used in conjunction with nitrogen fertilization.…”