Annual bluegrass is a problematic turfgrass weed. Methiozolin is a new,
currently unregistered herbicide that selectively controls annual bluegrass
in desirable turfgrasses. Studies were conducted to evaluate and compare
annual bluegrass control from PRE-applied methiozolin as influenced by rate
and soil type and from POST-applied methiozolin as influenced by rate, soil
type, annual bluegrass growth stage, and treatment placement. Studies were
also conducted to evaluate foliar and root absorption and subsequent
translocation of methiozolin by annual bluegrass using radio-tracer
techniques. PRE-applied methiozolin controlled annual bluegrass > 99%.
POST-applied methiozolin resulted in < 80% control regardless of foliar
versus root exposure. POST applications are more effective at higher rates
and smaller growth stages. Foliar-plus-soil methiozolin application trended
to result in the best control, compared to foliar-only and soil-only
applications. Absorption and translocation data indicate that methiozolin is
absorbed by both leaves and roots and moderately translocates upward in the
plant toward the leaf tip with little to no basipetal translocation. Because
control is limited from a single methiozolin application (as observed in
POST experiments), successful field application of methiozolin requires
multiple and timely applications directed toward the roots and/or foliage of
annual bluegrass.