Research Update
Controlling
Rush Species By Zachary Small and James McCurdy Ph.D.
P
Path rush
Figure
1
Herbicide options based upon current and ongoing research. Note that repeat applications of all products listed are required (roughly 2 to 4 weeks after initial treatment). The addition of non-ionic surfactant or methylated seed oil improves control. Always follow label directions.
Toad rush
Path rush
Speedzone
Fair
Fair
Strike 3
Fair
Fair
Sedgehammer
Good
Good
Katana
Excellent
Excellent
Monument
Good
Fair
Tribute Total
Fair
Excellent
EH1580
Good
Good
Herbicide efficacy is expressed on an increasing scale of poor, fair, good, or excellent.
14 • Mississippi Turfgrass • Summer 2018
1
Table
Treatment
ath rush (Juncus tenuis) and toad rush (Juncus bufonius) are troublesome weeds in maintained turfgrass. Both are increasingly submitted to MSU for identification and recommendations for control. Research is being conducted at Mississippi State University in cooperation with the University of Tennessee to determine potential herbicides for control of both species. Both rushes are similar in appearance. They are mat forming and grasslike, although neither are actually grasses. Rushes are monocots comprising the family Juncaceae and are more closely akin to the sedge family (Cyperaceae) than they are to grasses. Rushes of the Juncus species have flat or cylindrical leaves and small flowers arranged in an inflorescence at the terminal end of a stalk arising from the base of the plant. Toad rush is a warmseason annual, while path rush persists as a perennial by rhizomes1. Both are known to inhabit compacted and/or saturated soils that are unfavorable for turfgrass growth2. Path rush vegetation begins to be visible in the fall, but it is particularly abundant beginning at the first of the year. Path rush flowers throughout the spring and summer. Seed emerge in the fall and winter, taking advantage of open canopy or unhealthy turf areas. When mown regularly, path rush persists without producing a seedhead, instead reproducing vegetatively by rhizomes. Toad rush germinates in the spring. It flowers prolifically in April through early July when heat and drought lead to its demise.