Penoxsulam Herbicide for Control of English Daisy (Bellis perennis L.) in Turfgrass.

English daisy (Bellis perennis L.) is one of the most difficult to control broadleaf turfgrass weeds in California. English daisy is a fibrous rooted perennial with basal leaves and a prostrate, spreading growth habit. Flower heads are white or pinkish with yellow centers.  This aggressive weed spreads through rhizomes as well as prolific seed production and once established can spread rapidly.  There are thought to be six biotypes in California.  English daisy has historically been managed by hand weeding or applying a tank mix of herbicides containing up to five active ingredients.  In replicated field studies, multiple applications of this mixture have provided control ranging from 62-87%.

 Dow AgroSciences has been evaluating penoxsulam (Sapphire^TM Specialty Herbicide) performance against English daisy in California since 2003.   Penoxsulam belongs to the triazolopyrimidine sulfonamide chemical family and effects target weeds by inhibition of the acetolactate synthetase (ALS) enzyme.  Small plot replicated field studies and large scale commercial applications were conducted from 2004 to 2008 to characterize the product and refine rates and application timings.  Performance against English daisy at all rates and timings was superior to current commercial standards.  Two to three applications of penoxsulam in the late summer or early fall at 11.2 - 22.4 g ai/Ha (0.01 – 0.02 lbs ai/acre) consistently provided 95-100% control of English daisy one year after application.  Mixed populations of cool season turfgrass species exposed to penoxsulam applications exhibited very good tolerance. 

 Penoxsulam provides excellent control of English daisy while dramatically reducing the amount of herbicidal active ingredient applied to the turf.  Sapphire™ specialty herbicide received federal registration in 2007 and California state registration is expected in 2008.

 Footnote:
^TM Trademark of Dow AgroSciences LLC
Always read and follow the label directions
State restrictions on the sale and use of Sapphire apply.  Consult the registered product labels before purchase or use for full details