Two species, torpedograss and Southern watergrass, are very difficult to selectively control when they invade desirable turfgrass stands. The purpose of this study was to evaluate selective control of torpedograss and Southern watergrass in ‘Tifway’ bermudagrass turf. Greater than 86% control of torpedograss was observed 4 wk after sequential treatment (WAST) with quinclorac, trifloxysulfuron-sodium, quinclorac and trifloxysulfuron-sodium, sulfentrazone + imazethapyr and quinclorac and trifloxysulfuron-sodium, and quinclorac and trifloxysulfuron-sodium followed by (fb) glyphosate. However, by 8 WAST, control was reduced to <36% for all treatments. Greatest Southern watergrass control was achieved 4 WAST with trifloxysulfuron-sodium (83%), and thiencarbazone-methyl + foramsulfuron + halosulfuron-methyl (75%). Limited control (<30%) was observed with other treatments. By 8 WAST, Southern watergrass control was <12% for all treatments. This study suggests that short-term control/suppression of these two species is possible; however, long-term control is limited with single-year programs. These weeds will probably require multiple applications in successive years to reduce infestations. Future research should continue to screen other herbicides, combinations, and timings for control of these and other perennial grass weeds.

Torpedograss infestation in centipedegrass has reduced centipedegrass quality in home lawns along the Gulf Coast. This study was conducted to evaluate three selective postemergence herbicides. Field trials were conducted at two sites in Louisiana to evaluate quinclorac, sethoxydim, and clethodim applied once or sequentially every 4 wk for selective torpedograss control in centipedegrass turf. Herbicides were applied to mixed stands of torpedograss/centipedegrass at two locations in Louisiana and evaluated for changes in torpedograss coverage and centipedegrass injury every 2 wk for 16 wk. All herbicides controlled torpedograss more with each sequential application. Sethoxydim and clethodim applied three times reduced torpedograss cover 84 and 87%, respectively, and more than quinclorac 12 wk after initial treatment (WAIT). Increasing clethodim or sethoxydim rates did not improve torpedograss control. Torpedograss regrowth occurred within weeks after final herbicide applications regardless of herbicide. Only multiple clethodim applied at twice manufacturer's labeled rate or quinclorac applications resulted in commercially unacceptable (> 25%) injury to centipedegrass. Multiple sethoxydim or clethodim applications at 0.32 kg ha−1 or 0.30 kg ha−1 every 4 wk reduced torpedograss competitiveness in centipedegrass; however, multiple applications for more than 1 yr might be necessary to achieve torpedograss control.