Bonide Grass Beater - Manual (Page 39)

germinate over a long time, and because control
of small grasses is desired, applications after
each weed flush may be needed.
As a general guideline, spray spring- and
summer-germinating grasses as early in the
season as possible. The optimum application
timing may occur very early in the spring after
initial green-up. Spray fall-germinating weeds in
the fall soon after they begin growing but before
any killing frosts. Late fall applications may be less
effective due to environmental changes, such as
frosts or the onset of flowering.
Perennial Grass Control
This product effectively controls or suppresses
perennial grasses, such as Bermudagrass,
Johnsongrass, quackgrass, wirestem muhly, and
perennial ryegrass (see Table 2). However, their
growth characteristics are such that they are more
difficult to control than annual grasses, especially
in a perennial crop such as established alfalfa
or clover. A program of repeated applications is
usually necessary for best results.
The most economical way of controlling
perennial grasses is to do so in the year of stand
establishment before rhizomes or stolons become
large and difficult to kill. The field should be disked
before seeding to thoroughly fragment rhizomes
or stolons.
In summer and fall seedings, cool season grasses
(quackgrass, wirestem muhly, and perennial
ryegrass) can become very competitive under
cool fall conditions. Fall applications of this
product will reduce late season grass growth and
limit the ability of grasses to accumulate nutrient
reserves in roots and rhizomes.
In established stands, it is important to begin
applying in the spring when conditions favor active