field sandbur

Press Release Eddy County Cooperative Extension Service 1304 West Stevens Carlsbad, NM 88220 For More Information, Contact: Woods Houghton, Eddy County Agriculture Agent Eddy County Cooperative Extension Service Phone: 505-887-6595 Fax: 505-887-3795 whoughto@nmsu.edu FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Controlling Field Sandbur (Grass bur) in Turf grass Field sandbur (grass bur) is a summer annual grassy weed that can be found in home lawns, sports fields, parks and along roadsides. It the spinney grass like weed that is in your pants legs, shoe laces and pet’s hair and paws at this time of the years. This weed is especially adapted to dry, sandy soils but can be found growing in other types of soils as well. The big problem with this weed is the sharp, spiny burs that are part of the inflorescence. These burs can be painful and are difficult to remove from clothing material. Field sandburs (grass burs) generally start germinating in late spring and will continue to germinate until late summer or early fall months. This weed will continue to grow until the first hard frost or freeze occurs in the fall. Field sandburs (grass burs) are generally not a problem in well maintained turf grass areas. With proper fertilization, mowing and irrigation, you can produce a turf that is dense enough to prevent sandbur (grass burs) from becoming a problem. However, if field sandburs (grass burs) do become a problem there are several effective herbicides that can be used to control this particular weed. The most effective and efficient method of control is to use a pre-emergent herbicide. This is done in February; during mild winters the field sandbur plants will survive and act like a perennial weed. In these cases, a pre-emergent herbicide will not be effective in controlling these particular plants, but will work on any of the seeds that try to germinate. At this time of the year a post-emergence herbicide such as Dimension – dithiopyr (pyridine, Group 3); Drive XLR8 – quinclorac (quinolinecarboxylic acid, Group 4 (26 for monocots)); Dismiss – sulfentrazone (aryl triazolinone, Group 14); Tenacity – mesotrione (triketone, Group 27); Sedgehammer – halosulfuron (sulfonylurea, Group 2);l Monument – trifloxysulfuron-sodium (sulfonylurea, Group 2) ;Revolver – foramsulfuron (sulfonylurea, Group 2);Certainty – sulfosulfuron (sulfonylurea, Group 2); Celsius - iodosulfuronmethyl-sodium and thiencarbazone-methyl (triazinylsulfonylurea, triazolone, Group 2) is used. These products will do a good job of controlling the field sandbur (grass bur) when it is young. As the sandbur (grass bur) matures, such as now, it becomes more difficult to obtain effective control. REMEMBER: A dense stand of healthy grass provides the best weed control. Because most weeds are "opportunists" that invade weakened lawns, the fight against weeds starts with good management. All cultural practices such as mowing, fertilizing and watering should be done in a manner and time that will favor the grass rather than the weeds. Height of mowing influences competition against weeds such as crabgrass - the higher the cut, the lower the infestation. Frequent light sprinkling encourages shallow-rooted weeds and seed germination. Less frequent "deep-soak" watering that maintains a dry surface layer provides the grass with a competitive advantage. Temperature, light, soil moisture and other factors determine the time and extent of weed germination and development. Some weeds germinate in early spring while others sprout in summer or fall. If conditions are favorable, a weed may be particularly abundant in a given year, but under different conditions the next year, it may be little in evidence. Herbicide application Although most herbicides are formulated with reliable safety factors, application rates higher than those recommended may cause injury to turf and other ornamental plants. Many people over apply herbicides; the user needs to follow instructions on containers carefully to avoid overdoses. This and all programs are available to everyone regardless of age, color, disability, gender, national origin, race, religion, or veteran status. New Mexico State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the Eddy County Government Cooperating “to put knowledge to work”.