Removing Bermuda from St. Augustine. Anyone tried the new solution?

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How to remove bermudagrass from St. Augustinegrass with Recognition
July 17, 2023
By Lane Tredway, Ph.D., technical services manager, Syngenta

The inability to control bermudagrass infestations in St. Augustinegrass turf has been a major challenge for lawn care operators (LCOs). A solution for bermudagrass control has remained elusive — until now.

Recognition herbicide is the latest Syngenta herbicide formulation that contains trifloxysulfuron, the active ingredient in Monument 75WG herbicide, with a proprietary herbicide safener called metcamifen. Recognition was developed to provide LCOs with a much-needed option to control sedges, broadleaves and grass weeds in St. Augustinegrass turf.

Recognition alone does not control bermudagrass, but when tank mixed with Fusilade II herbicide at rates up to 24 fl. oz./A, the combination controls bermudagrass without injuring St. Augustinegrass. How is this possible? The safener in Recognition, metcamifen, triggers certain grass species to tolerate certain herbicides, like Fusilade II, without impacting its activity on weed species like bermudagrass.

To control bermudagrass out of established St. Augustinegrass turf:

Apply Recognition (1.29 oz./A) with Fusilade II at 24 fl. oz./A
While 12-24 fl. oz./A of Fusilade II can be used, we recommend 24 fl. oz./A for greatest efficacy
Include a non-ionic surfactant at 0.25% v/v or 0.32 fl. oz./gal. of spray solution
Use typical spray volumes from 20-80 gal. of water/A
Use flat-fan nozzles that produce medium-to-coarse droplets to ensure uniform foliar coverage
Provide adequate fertility and irrigation to encourage St. Augustinegrass growth and spread
Application intervals

Depending on the amount of bermudagrass present and how well-established it is, additional applications of Recognition + Fusilade II may be necessary to maintain bermudagrass control until the St. Augustinegrass can spread into the voids left behind. Application intervals vary by time of year and growing conditions, but typically are four weeks for 12-18 fl. oz./A of Fusilade II or five to six weeks for 24 fl. oz./A of Fusilade II. The active ingredient in Fusilade II is foliarly absorbed, so it is best to apply once the bermudagrass begins to regrow in treated areas.

The 24 fl. oz./A rate of Fusilade II also provides excellent control of Poa annua, goosegrass and dallisgrass.

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