Seedhead Suppression in the US using Plateau

As a low maintenance, drought-resistant species, Bahia grass is easy to establish. Since Bahia grass readily produces a complete cover, it effectively stabilizes the soil, reducing soil loss. When planted on roadsides or along airport runways, it also reduces erosion. Lacking a tolerance to cold weather, Bahia grass grows primarily in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas and Virginia.

The problem with Bahia grass

Although Bahia grass is a desirable turfgrass, it has a prolific, summer-long seed head production. With a long growing season, the seed heads quickly grow to a height of 12 to 24 inches. Unrestricted, Bahia grass can cause safety problems on roadsides by reducing sight visibility and harbouring wandering animals. At airports, Bahia grass can attract insects and give a haven to birds that can devastatingly impact aircraft.

Mowing: not the answer to Bahia grass management

Due to the rapid growth of Bahia grass seed heads, mowing is both expensive and ineffective. With a long growing season in the South-eastern states where Bahia grass flourishes, it must be mowed four to eight times a year to control seed head production - at a cost of up to $85 or more per acre.

There are other considerations as well, such as the dangers mowing poses to equipment operators and the driving public. In high Bahia grass, an operator may hit unseen debris, which can tip over the equipment and result in injury or even death. In addition, mowers can throw debris onto the highway or onto passing cars. Mowing on roadsides is perilous due to the possibility of operators being fatally hit by cars. The equipment can also distract motorists, potentially leading to collisions.

The efficiency of Bahia grass seed head suppression

One timely application of 2 to 4 ounces of Plateau ** (herbicide) can eliminate the need for repeated Bahia grass mowings. While the proper time of year for applying Plateau varies according to climate, the best rule of thumb for application is two to three weeks before Bahia grass seed head emergence or within seven days following mowing.

In a study conducted by Dr. Fred Yelverton, associate professor and extension specialist at North Carolina State University, a solution of 4 ounces of Plateau per acre, plus a 0.25 percent non-ionic surfactant (NIS), applied to a test stand of Bahia grass, completely suppressed seed heads up to 14 weeks after treatment.

In contrast, an equivalent stand of Bahia grass that was mowed produced an average of 20 seed heads per square foot 14 weeks after being mowed.

Another study was conducted in Nash County, North Carolina in 1995. The result of the Plateau 2 ounces per acre + NIS 0.25 percent v/v was 21 weeks of Bahia grass seed head suppression. There were 101,640 seed heads per acre in the non treated check, four weeks after treatment. These results (length of suppression) may vary as you go further south into the natural range of Pensacola Bahia grass.

Source:  BASF - The Chemical Company

**Note:  Plateau (herbicide) is not currently available in Australia.