ALL U NEED 2 KNOW - FROM CHEMISTRIES TO MODES-OF-ACTION!
Warmer temperatures have finally arrived, and in some parts of the United States it has already had months of consistent sunny heat! Unfortunately, along with the arrival of warmer days typically comes weeds. For a weed free lawn all year long, a timely application of nitrogen coupled with a pre-emergent herbicide is an important first step to take as soon as temperatures climb into the 50s. But due to unpredictable weather or missing the application all together, there is a good possibility that weeds have infested your lawn. And once weeds take hold, they don’t leave willingly. The solution: post-emergent herbicides. In this feature, we will teach you everything you need to know about post-emergent herbicides, from the different classifications of chemistries to the modes-of-action.
WHAT ARE POST-EMERGENT HERBICIDES?
Post-emergent herbicides are designed to kill plants AFTER they have germinated and established in the soil. This is as opposed to pre-emergent herbicides, which are designed to kill newly germinating plants BEFORE they can firmly establish in the soil. Post-emergent herbicides can further be divided into two categories: selective and non-selective. Selective post-emergent herbicides have been engineered to target only weeds (typically broadleaf weeds), sparing most grasses and non-target plants. An example of a selective post-emergent herbicide is atrazine. Non-selective post-emergent herbicides kill all plants, INCLUDING all grass types. Non-selective herbicides are used by farmers to kill all the weeds in a field before planting new crops, as well as by landscapers who are completely reworking the soil to grow new turf. The most common example of a non-selective post-emergent herbicide is glyphosate.
SYSTEMIC VS. CONTACT HERBICIDES
Post-emergent herbicides also vary in their modes-of-action. Some are systemic herbicides, which means the herbicide is typically absorbed through the root system and transported throughout the plant. Systemic herbicides slowly kill all the tissues comprising a plant, both above and below ground. On the other hand, contact herbicides are typically applied foliarly and only kill the vegetative tissue they touch. In most cases, contact herbicides either disrupt photosynthesis or chemically burn the plant (which also indirectly affects photosynthesis). Either way, plants treated with contact herbicides die because plants that can’t make their own food, nor transport their food to critical tissues, starve to death.
WHAT ACTIVE INGREDIENTS COMPRISE MANY COMMON POST-EMERGENT HERBICIDES?
1) Atrazine
Atrazine is a systemic, selective post-emergent herbicide used to control common broadleaf weeds. While used extensively in ag across the eastern United States (especially in corn fields), atrazine is used to control weeds in turf primarily in the south. Atrazine is absorbed by the roots and transported to leaf tissue where it disrupts photosynthesis. Atrazine typically takes 14-21 days to kill weeds from the moment of absorption by roots. Atrazine has been proven to be both safe and reliable, according to decades of research performed by the EPA.
2) 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid(commonly referred to as 2,4-D)
2,4-D is another systemic, selective post-emergent herbicide. In fact, it is one of the oldest and most popular herbicides on the market. To date, over 1500 different herbicides contain 2,4-D as a component of their mixtures. 2,4-D kills broadleaf weeds by mimicking the effect of the plant hormone auxin. After being taken up by the roots, 2,4-D is transported to the growth regions of stems and leaves, where it causes uncontrolled cell division and growth. Ultimately, the accelerated rate of growth outpaces the weed’s food supply, and the weed starves to death.
3) Dicamba
Dicamba is a systematic, selective post-emergent herbicide that has been on the market since 1967. It’s mode-of-action is similar to that of 2,4-D because it accelerates cell division in weeds, thus causing plants to starve themselves. Dicamba is primarily used to control brush and weeds in pastures, range lands, and non-crop grassy areas (such as along fences, roadways, and buildings). In more arid climates, dicamba is used to control grasslands against cacti and legumes. Dicamba is toxic to conifers and certain species of evergreens, so landscapers must know their surroundings and apply with care. Dicamba is also highly soluble in water, therefore it is not recommended to apply it when significant rain is imminent. Dicamba has a very low toxicity and readily biodegrades in the environment due to microbial activity.
4) Methylchlorophenoxypropionic acid (commonly referred to as“Mecoprop-P Acid” or“MCPP”)
Mecoprop-P was first registered in 1964 and has been used extensively in post-emergent control products since its creation. MCPP is popular on many turf types, including athletic fields, golf courses, and sod farms. MCPP provides selective, systematic control of certain annual grasses and broadleaf weeds by disrupting the cell division process. Because of MCPP’s relatively low toxicity, it is a preferred component of many post-emergent herbicide formulations. MCPP residues that don’t penetrate plant tissues quickly biodegrade into safe components in the environment.
5) Penoxsulam
Penoxsulam was developed in the mid-2000s to help control weeds in rice fields and cereal crops. In turf, it is used to control against a variety of broadleaf weeds and a few target grasses (such as centipede grass and some crabgrass varieties). Penoxsulam has a fairly low toxicity, however it takes longer than most post-emergent herbicides to work. Penoxsulam must be in contact with plant tissues for nearly 60 days before most weeds parish. Penoxsulam is found in a wide variety of weed & feed products in retail stores.
6) Glyphosate
Perhaps the most recognizable herbicide in the world, glyphosate is non-selective, systematic post-emergent herbicide. First discovered in 1970, glyphosate hit the market only 4 years later. Glyphosate was as HUGE game changer in ag; farmers could now spray glyphosate in their fields without harming their crops.
Today, glyphosate is the 2nd most-used herbicide in the home sector in terms of volume (the first being 2,4-D). Glyphosate works to prevent plants from being able to synthesize 3 critical amino acids: phenylalanine,tyrosine, and tryptophan. It does this by inhibiting a key enzyme in the metabolic pathway of these amino acids. Without these 3 enzymes, plants cannot produce critical proteins necessary for survival. In essence, the plant starves. Glyphosate is most commonly absorbed through foliar tissue but can also be absorbed in smaller amounts by roots. It is systemically transported throughout the entire plant, affecting all tissue types. Once applied, most weeds take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks to die. Significantly larger weeds (such as Canadian thistle) may require multiple applications over a month to be effective.
TIP: HOW TO CONTROL ESTABLISHED CRABGRASS
Crabgrass
is one of the most stubborn “weeds” to remove from established turf. Crabgrass has a high resistance threshold to many of the common post-emergent herbicides which is why it is best controlled using pre-emergent herbicides early on in its lifecycle. Metharsenate (MSMA) is one of a few post-emergent herbicides that will help control crabgrass, however it usually takes multiple applications and often causes mild discoloration in the surrounding non-target turf. Dithiopyr has also been reported to have limited post-emergent capabilities against crabgrass, but only in the one to three leaf stage. It should be noted that both MSMA and Dithiopyr have mixed results on well-established crab grass.
For more severe outbreaks, fenoxyprop and quinclorac are typically more effective, these products are usually only available to the professional industry. Application by professional lawn care operator is highly recommended. For those unable to acquire these chemicals, large clumps of crabgrass can also be controlled by carefully spraying the target with glyphosate, and then reseeding after the crabgrass has been eliminated.
IMPORTANT: KEEP ON THE OFFENSIVE!
Remember, the best defense is a good offense. Eliminate weeds this summer with the use of post-emergent herbicides AND keep them from reappearing next spring with a timely pre-emergent application. Executing this strategy will help your turf fill in nicely in areas where weeds once grew. This in turn will make it much harder for weed seeds to establish in the future.
For professional fertilizers, humic and AMP-XC™ enriched products available, please visit TurfCare’s online Product Catalog.
For green industry professionals or others interested in ordering Turfcare products, please contact our Customer Service
to find a distributor near you.
Resources:
http://msue.anr.msu.edu/resources/crabgrass-control-in-home-lawns
https://www.epa.gov/ingredients-used-pesticide-products/atrazine-background-and-updates
https://www.epa.gov/ingredients-used-pesticide-products/24-d
http://npic.orst.edu/factsheets/24Dgen.html
http://www.panna.org/sites/default/files/dicamba-NCAP.pdf
https://www.beyondpesticides.org/assets/media/documents/pesticides/factsheets/mecoprop.pdf
https://dnr.wi.gov/lakes/plants/factsheets/PenoxsulamFactsheet.pdf
https://www.epa.gov/ingredients-used-pesticide-products/glyphosate
https://www.thespruce.com/best-crabgrass-killers-to-keep-lawn-weed-free-2132459
Turf Care Supply - TurfReport Blog
Turf Care Supply, LLC, a portfolio company of Platte River Equity, has officially acquired Beaty Fertilizer, the industry respected Tennessee-based manufacturer and blender of custom granular and liquid fertilizers, as well as combination products. This strategic move expands Turf Care’s manufacturing footprint, adds new product capabilities, and enhances overall production capacity. “The partnership with Beaty Fertilizer marks a major milestone in our journey and an important step forward in our mission to grow, innovate and lead in our industry,” said Mark Mangan, President of Turf Care. “This acquisition is more than just expansion; it’s a powerful opportunity to strengthen our product offerings, broaden our market reach and provide greater value to our customers. By welcoming Beaty into the Turf Care family, we are reinforcing our commitment to excellence and positioning ourselves for an even brighter future.” “We are excited about this next step in the Beaty Fertilizer story. For almost 50 years, our family and our employees have worked hard to serve customers and communities with pride and heart,” said John Beaty, President of Beaty. “Now, we are embracing an opportunity for growth with Turf Care. With our combined know-how and resources, we’ll keep building on what we’ve worked so hard to create and bring even more value to our customers, employees and partners. We truly believe this partnership will keep the Beaty legacy going strong while opening up new doors for growth and innovation.” Tarun Kanthety, Vice President at Platte River, added, “We believe the acquisition of Beaty Fertilizer represents a strategic step in expanding Turf Care’s footprint and product breadth... as it scales and enhances its value proposition to customers.”
Root out Grubs, Before they Attack Yours! White grubs, the immature stage of several scarab beetles—including Japanese beetles, masked chafers, May and June beetles, and green June beetles—are a major threat to turfgrass across the Southeast. These beetles follow a complete metamorphosis (egg, grub, pupa, adult), with most species completing their cycle in one year. Eggs are laid in early summer, grubs hatch within two weeks, and begin feeding on turfgrass roots through the late summer and fall. May and June beetles differ slightly, with a two- to three-year life cycle and prolonged feeding as third-instar grubs. Grubs damage turf by severing roots, causing grass to yellow, wilt, or lift easily from the soil. Feeding is typically concentrated in patches and worsens during hot, dry weather. Wildlife digging for grubs can create further turf destruction. Healthy turf may tolerate 5–10 grubs per square foot, but damage becomes evident as populations rise or turf is under stress. Early detection and timing are essential. Scouting begins in late June, shortly after adult beetle activity peaks. Monitoring plants favored by beetles can signal egg-laying is underway. Treatment is most effective when small grubs are active—typically from mid-July through early August. For professional turfgrass managers, insecticides containing imidacloprid (Merit®), chlorantraniliprole (Acelepryn®), or trichlorfon (Dylox®) are the most effective tools. The primary months of preventative application of Acelepryn® is from April to end of May and Merit® from April into July - targeting grubs before they hatch. Curative treatments with Dylox® or similar products are applied July through the fall, when young grubs are feeding and most vulnerable. Always follow label directions for optimal application and safety. Timing may vary slightly by regional seasonal needs. Turf Care Supply has a variety of professional TCS Growstar insecticide fertilizers available to protect your turf and prevent grub damage, before it starts. Click on the button below to view products, contact your sales rep for addition TC Growstar products available.
Platte River Equity Portfolio Company Turf Care Supply, LLC Acquires Agri-Nutrients, Inc. Brunswick, OH , October 9, 2024 – Platte River Equity (“Platte River”) portfolio company Turf Care Supply, LLC (“Turf Care”) is pleased to announce its acquisition of Agri-Nutrients, Inc. (“Agri-Nutrients”), a manufacturer and blender of custom granular fertilizers for the turf & ornamental (“T&O”) industry. This strategic acquisition provides Turf Care with an established presence in the south-central United States, an enhanced product portfolio and additional manufacturing capacity. “This acquisition represents much more than a business transaction; it is a strategic step forward in expanding our reach and enhancing our customers’ growth. By bringing Agri-Nutrients into the Turf Care family, we are broadening our product portfolio, expanding our market presence and further positioning ourselves as a leader in providing innovative solutions for our customers,” said Mark Mangan, President of Turf Care. “We are excited about joining the Turf Care team,” said Jim Montgomery, President of Agri-Nutrients. “At Agri-Nutrients, our core values center around customer service and product innovation, and we are confident that this combination will allow us to better serve the needs of our customers.” “Platte River welcomes the Agri-Nutrients team to Turf Care. This transaction underscores our long-term commitment to fostering growth through both organic and inorganic initiatives across the Turf Care platform,” said Tarun Kanthety, Vice President of Platte River. “The partnership with Agri-Nutrients strengthens Turf Care’s value-added offering, creating additional growth opportunities across the combined customer base.” B&A Corporate Advisors served as the exclusive financial advisor to Agri-Nutrients. About Agri-Nutrients Founded in 1992 and based in Catoosa, OK, Agri-Nutrients is a manufacturer and blender of custom granular fertilizers for the T&O industry, predominantly selling into the lawn care, sports turf and golf course end markets. About Turf Care Supply Established in 1974, Turf Care Supply is one of the largest formulators and blenders of urea products to the T&O market. Turf Care has a comprehensive product portfolio of fertilizers, combination products (herbicide/insecticide), soil amendments and enhanced efficiency fertilizer ingredients. Turf Care's products are sold to distributors and blenders serving the commercial, residential and golf end markets. Turf Care operates four manufacturing facilities strategically located throughout the eastern U.S. About Platte River Equity Founded in 2006 and based in Denver, CO, Platte River Equity is a private equity firm focused on investments in established lower middle market operating companies within targeted industrial sectors where it has substantial operating and investing experience. Platte River utilizes prudent capital structures in order to invest in future growth opportunities and withstand changing economic environments. The firm also provides significant ongoing support to its portfolio companies through dedicated resources across functional areas. The firm has raised funds with committed capital in excess of $1.6 billion and is currently investing out of its fifth fund. The Platte River team is the largest collective investor across its funds, deeply aligning the firm with its investors and portfolio company management teams.