Source(s): Jacob G Price
There are several species of crabgrass that are common weeds in turfgrass. They include, Blanket Crabgrass, India Crabgrass, Smooth Crabgrass, Tropical Crabgrass, Large Crabgrass, and Hairy Crabgrass.
Description
All crabgrasses in this factsheet are summer annuals except India crabgrass which can sometimes be a perennial. Both India and Blanket crabgrass are mat forming with creeping stolons. Leaves are crowded on creeping stems. Leaf blades are about 1 inch long. Blanket crabgrass has hairy leaves and sheaths whereas India crabgrass has smooth leaves and sheaths. Both reproduce by stolons and seeds.
Preemergence Control
Preemergent control is the best way to control crabgrass. Examples of preemergent herbicides that can be used on Centipede, St. Augustine, Bermuda, and Zoysia grasses to control crabgrass are, Surflan (oryzalin), Balan and Crabgrass Preventer (benefin), Pendulum and Halts (pendimethalin). Team (benefin+trifluralin), and XL (benefin+oryzalin) can also be used. Do not use Pendulum or Halts on turf that has been severely thinned by winter injury. Apply these herbicides from February 15 to March 5 for best control.
Postemergence Control
In Centipede, use Vantage (sethoxydim). In St. Augustine, the only option is Atrazine for fair control on young weeds. Crabgrass killer (MSMA) can be used in Bermuda and Zoysia turf for good control.
Refer to and follow label instructions before using any of the above herbicides.
Resource(s):
Center Publication Number: 68
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