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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Auburn, Alabama » Soil Dynamics Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #420125
Research Project: Agronomic and Engineering Solutions for Conventional and Organic Conservation Agricultural Systems in the Southeastern U.S.

Location: Soil Dynamics Research

Title: Crabgrass and Texas panicum control with group 15 herbicides applied preemergence

Author
item PEREIRA, LIVIA - Auburn University
item LI, XIAO - Auburn University
item LANGEMEIER, RYAN - Auburn University
item MCCAGHREN, JUSTIN - Auburn University
item Price, Andrew

Submitted to: Weed Technology
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 11/26/2025
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary: Gramineous weeds have become increasingly problematic to control field crops, especially in those without herbicide tolerance traits. The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy of four herbicides for preemergence control of two grass species with different seed sizes (crabgrass and Texas panicum).. All products provided over 94% visible control of crabgrass, while Texas panicum was more difficult to control. Pyroxasulfone plus carfentrazone achieved the highest level of control for Texas panicum, whereas all treatments showed similar efficacy against crabgrass when compared to non-treated control (NTC). Consistent with visual ratings, normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) readings from both unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and handheld greenseeker, along with biomass, showed significantly higher control of Texas panicum with pyroxasulfone plus carfentrazone treatment, while crabgrass control remained consistent across all treatments. Furthermore, the stand counts for both weed species exhibited no significant differences among the products. In conclusion, these findings highlight the selectivity of VLCFA herbicides on grass species when applied preemergence due to seed size difference.

Technical Abstract: Gramineous weeds have become increasingly problematic to control field crops, especially in those without herbicide tolerance traits. The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy of four Very Long-Chain Fatty Acid (VLCFA) Inhibiting herbicides for preemergence control of two grass species with different seed sizes (crabgrass and Texas panicum). The results were consistent throughout the locations and ratings. All products provided over 94% visible control of crabgrass, while Texas panicum was more difficult to control. Pyroxasulfone plus carfentrazone achieved the highest level of control for Texas panicum, whereas all treatments showed similar efficacy against crabgrass when compared to non-treated control (NTC). Consistent with visual ratings, normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) readings from both unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and handheld greenseeker, along with biomass, showed significantly higher control of Texas panicum with pyroxasulfone plus carfentrazone treatment, while crabgrass control remained consistent across all treatments. Furthermore, the stand counts for both weed species exhibited no significant differences among the products. In conclusion, these findings highlight the selectivity of VLCFA herbicides on grass species when applied preemergence due to seed size difference.