Kikuyugrass (Pennisetum clandestinum) management in turf

Kikuyugrass is an invasive, perennial weed of turf-grass in California. Currently, complete renovation of infested turf is the most practical means of control. A less disruptive method was needed to reduce the competitive ability of kikuyugrass while allowing the regrowth of desirable turf species. Treatment with MSMA, triclopyr, and quinclorac did not control kikuyugrass as single applications, but when applied at 4- to 5-wk intervals over a 5-mo period, kikuyugrass was reduced. Sequential applications of two-way combinations of these herbicides in 1991 resulted in reductions of kikuyugrass from 80% to less than 1% of the sward.