Control De Poa Annua En Campos De Golf

Bluegrass, Annual
Fred Yelverton
May 10, 2007 Printable PDF
(141.5 kB)

Bluegrass, Annual
[Poa annua L.]

DESCRIPTION

Annual bluegrass is a light green bunch-type to slightlyspreading winter annual weedy grass. Some subspecies exist which are classified as short-lived perennials (Poa annua ssp. reptans). These perennial types are particularly evident in bentgrass golf greens.One reason annual bluegrass is so unsightly is its ability to produce a light colored seedhead even at very low mowing heights.

Characteristic Description
Seedhead / Flower light-coloredpanicle seedhead
Vernation Type leaves folded in the bud
Ligule Type membranous; sharp pointed entire, 0.04 - 0.12 inches (1 - 3 mm) long
Growth Season / Life Cycle winter annual weed
AuricleType absent
Leaf Blade Tip Shape boat shaped; smooth above and below, not glossy, light green; two distinct, clear lines, one on each side of the midrib
Leaf Blade Width 0.08 - 0.1 inches (2 - 3mm) wide
Stolon Presence absent
Rhizome Presence absent
Collar Type divided; distinct, not hairy, V-shaped
Sheath Margin open part way only
Sheath Type flattened; slightly sharplycreased


annual bluegrass ligule boat shaped leaf tip

Note: Still not sure this is the right weed? The Turf & Weed Identification Decision Aid may help. Check the TurfFiles glossary fordefinitions of unfamiliar terms.

CULTURAL CONTROL

Management practices that encourage annual bluegrass persistence include: 1) excessively close mowing; 2) shallow, frequent irrigation; 3) poor soildrainage; 4) improperly timed fertilization; 5) aerifying or dethatching during primary periods of germination; 6) use of heavy equipment causing compaction; and 7) shade.

CHEMICAL CONTROLPreemergence herbicides applied in the late summer or early fall before annual bluegrass emerges give effective control in home lawns, athletic fields, and golf course fairways, rough, etc.. However, many...