Annual bluegrass is one of the most difficult-to-control weeds in creeping bentgrass putting greens. Field trials were conducted in 2003 and 2005 to evaluate bispyribac-sodium for annual bluegrass management in creeping bentgrass greens maintained at a 3 mm mowing height. Bispyribac-sodium applied weekly at 12 or 24 g ai/ha controlled annual bluegrass 86% 12 wk after initial treatment (WAIT). In 2003, bispyribac-sodium applied at 12 and 24 g/ha/wk injured creeping bentgrass approximately 15 and 50% by 4 WAIT, respectively. However, injury was transient and was not evident by 12 WAIT. In 2005, the 12 and 24 g/ha/wk injured creeping bentgrass 15 and 85% by 8 WAIT, respectively, and was still evident throughout the trial. Putting green quality was reduced when compared to nontreated creeping bentgrass by the same treatments. The removal of annual bluegrass caused soil exposure until creeping bentgrass grew over the bare areas, contributing to decreased quality evaluations. Management of annual bluegrass in creeping bentgrass putting greens is possible with bispyribac-sodium. However, these results indicate bispyribac-sodium can cause excessive injury when applied to creeping bentgrass mowed at 3 mm.

Nomenclature: Bispyribac-sodium; annual bluegrass, Poa annua L. POANN; creeping bentgrass, Agrostis stolonifera L. AGSST, ‘Penncross’.