Achieving control of nutsedge and kyllinga has long been problematic for professional turf managers. However, herbicides containing the active ingredient sulfentrazone have proven to be very effective in providing not only fast results against these grassy weeds, but season-long control (when labeled rates are used). In addition, herbicides containing sulfentrazone also impact underground tubers (seeds), helping to reduce future generations of weeds.
Herbicides like Echelon, Dismiss, Dismiss South, Solitare and new Blindside utilize sulfentrazone to provide both soil and foliar activity on nutsedges and kyllinga. Visible foliar activity can be observed just a few days after application due to rapid degeneration of cell walls from the inhibition of an enzyme called protoporphyrinogen oxidase (PPO). The inhibition of PPO blocks chlorophyll and heme synthesis, which disrupts photosynthesis. In one application, these sulfentrazone-containing herbicides control the above ground plant material and the underground reproductive structures of nutsedge and kyllinga plants for fast visible results and a reduction in long-term populations.
Data collected from the FMC Research Farm in Sparks, GA (2009 to 2010) indicates that the number of new yellow nutsedge plants in areas treated the season before are reduced when compared to non-treated areas (see graph 1).
When sulfentrazone-containing herbicides are applied to an area for two seasons, a further reduction in nutsedge populations can be seen (see graph 2).