Sponsored content by PBI Gordon Corporation
By: Chrissie A. Segars, Ph.D. | West Research Scientist
If you’ve managed sports fields, you’ve met nutsedge…the turfgrass world’s version of that obnoxious fan who just won’t leave. Whether it’s yellow or purple, this tough-to-control weed emerges quickly, grows faster, and has no respect for management schedules or playability standards. Between underground tubers (“nutlets”) and rapid regrowth, it can make even the best-kept fields look patchy and uneven. And on a sports field, uneven turfgrass isn’t just unsightly; it can compromise field safety standards.
Traditional control strategies include cultural practices (proper fertility, mowing, and irrigation to favor turfgrass over weeds), mechanical removal (hand-pulling), and the use of selective herbicides. However, some sedge herbicides have limitations: herbicide persistence, injury under heat stress, or insufficient impact on tuber populations.
That’s where Arkon™ Herbicide Liquid offers a breakthrough solution. Arkon is a post‐emergent, selective herbicide labeled for use on both cool- and warm‐season turfgrass on sports fields. The active ingredient, pyrimisulfan, is systemic and translocated, enabling it to move from foliage into underground growth points (including tubers), reducing both aboveground shoots and the viability or number of new tubers.
Key advantages for sports‐field use:
- Flexible application with no temperature restrictions: Typical rates are 1.2–1.7 fl. oz. per 1,000 ft², with a seasonal maximum of 2.5 fl. oz. per 1,000 ft².
- Compatible with many turfgrass species: Labeled for use on both warm- and cool-season grasses, including but not limited to bermudagrass, bluegrass, ryegrass, and fescues.
- Key Planting Intervals: *Check label for more details
- 2 week seeding interval: Kentucky Bluegrass and Perennial Ryegrass
- 3 week seeding interval: Bermudagrass
- 3 weeks sodding, sprigging, plugging after application: Kentucky Bluegrass and Perennial Ryegrass
- Bermudagrass can be sprigged, sodded, or plugged immediately after application
- Dual action on shoots and tubers: Since it suppresses tuber production/viability, Arkon helps reduce regrowth pressure over time.
