Georgia Lawn Weed Control Fact Sheet

Bahiagrass: (Paspalum notatum)

Introduction: Bahiagrass is an aggressive mat-forming perennial in many southern lawns. It is a warm season grass that spreads by seeds and shallow underground rhizomes. It is native to South America and is common in the Gulf States.

Description: Bahiagrass is best know for it's seedhead which normally has two branches that form a "Y" shape. The rhizomes are usually thick and have a purplish or reddish color. Leaves are somewhat folded and smooth on both surfaces.

Preemergence Control: For centipedegrass, St. Augustinegrass, dormant bermudagrass and zoysiagrass apply atrazine (Purge) at labeled rates for fair (70%) temporary suppression. Do not apply atrazine over the root zones of ornamentals or during the spring green-up of bermudagrass.

Postemergence Control: In St. Augustinegrass, centipedegrass, zoysiagrass, and bermudagrass, Manor (metsulfuron) may be used for good control. For centipedegrass only, apply Vantage (sethoxydim) for fair suppression. Apply Vantage no sooner than three weeks after greenup. May be applied at low rate to newly planted centipedegrass after stolons have grown three inches. Do not mow 7 days prior to or 7 days after application. Repeat treatment 10-14 days after the first application. Two applications per season may be used in established centipedegrass. In bermudagrass, tall fescue and zoysiagrass apply MSMA 2 or 3 times at the recommended rate 5-7 days apart. Image also suppresses bahiagrass and may be used in all of the above turfgrasses except tall fescue. Follow label recommendations for all herbicides.

Produced 2/2000 -Revised 5/2001 by: Jake Price of the Camden County Extension Service in association with Jeff Michel, Glynn County Extension, and Bob Boland, Brantley County Extension.