Dallisgrass – Turfgrass Science at Purdue University

Dallisgrass

Dallisgrass is currently emerging in southern Indiana. This perennial grassy weed is almost identical in appearance to crabgrass and can be problematic in the southern half of Indiana. Dallisgrass is often mistaken for crabgrass but it has slightly less hairy leaves than crabgrass, a longer ligule and slightly wider leaf blades (see photos). Dallisgrass is a perennial that regrows from crowns and thus preemergence herbicides do not effectively control it, which is another clue to help you distinguish dallisgrass from crabgrass. If you applied preemergence herbicides this spring and still have what appears to be crabgrass emerging, it could be dallisgrass. Additionally, dallisgrass is not susceptible to typical postemergence crabgrasss herbicides like Acclaim, Dimension, or Drive. Controlling dallisgrass is at best difficult. Two applications of MSMA about 14 days apart is the standard recommendation but control is marginal at best. Roundup is the most effective control. Few herbicides are labeled for dallisgrass in part because it is tough to research and it is not a widespread problem. We are working with some new chemistry that has the potential of controlling dallisgrass, but need your help. If you have an area (lawn, fairway, athletic field, etc) of 1000 ft2 or more with fairly consistent dallisgrass, we would like to use it for testing. Please contact me at zreicher@purdue.edu if you know of an area that might work.

 

 

 Categories:

Share This Article
Disclaimer: Reference to products is not intended to be an endorsement to the exclusion of others which may have similar uses. Any person using products listed in these articles assumes full responsibility for their use in accordance with current directions of the manufacturer.
Turfgrass Science at Purdue University - Horticulture & Landscape Architecture, 625 Agriculture Mall, West Lafayette, IN 47907

© 2024 Purdue University | An equal access/equal opportunity university | Copyright Complaints | Maintained by Turfgrass Science at Purdue University

If you have trouble accessing this page because of a disability, please contact Turfgrass Science at Purdue University at ashbreed@purdue.edu | Accessibility Resources