Weeds in Mississippi
How can I control nutgrass?
There are many sedges that occur in Mississippi, but only a few that are problems in turf. Purple nutsedge (Cyperus rotundus L.) is one of the most widely spread weedy sedges in lawns, although yellow nutsedge (Cyperus esculentus L.), kyllinga, Cherokee sedge and others are seen. Those not adequately familiar with plant identification may confuse sedges with plants that are actually grasses, rushes or lilies since these groups of plants are similar in appearance. Sedges are easily differentiated from these other types of plants by the triangular appearance of the three leaves or triangular stem.
Sedges sometimes occur in areas where the soils are wet, but this is not always the case. If that is the case, installing some type of drainage system, or adding soil to fill in the low area may help alleviate the problem.
The herbicide of choice for postemergence control of nutsedge and other sedges in the lawn for many years has been MSMA. MSMA is sold in Mississippi under several tradenames, usually with either 4, 6, or 6.6 lbs active ingredient per gallon (concentration). Several applications made 2 to 3 weeks apart may be necessary for complete control. MSMA is not safe to use on St. Augustinegrass or centipedegrass, but can be used on bermudagrass and zoysiagrass.
A newer herbicide that provides good to excellent postemergence control of nutsedge and other sedges is Image. However, the Image label recommends mixing with MSMA for purple nutsedge control. Image is labeled for application to St. Augustinegrass, centipedegrass, bermudagrass, and zoysiagrass.
Manage is a new herbicide that provides excellent postemergence control of sedges. Manage is labeled for application to St. Augustinegrass, centipedegrass, bermudagrass, and zoysiagrass.
Basagran T/O provides good to excellent postemergence control of yellow nutsedge and annual sedges. Basagran T/O does not control purple nutsedge. Basagran T/O is labeled for application to St. Augustinegrass, centipedegrass, bermudagrass, and zoysiagrass.