How Can I Control Plantain?

Do you have a plantain infestation on your turfgrass?

Do you want to control plantain in your turfgrass area chemically?

Do you want to control plantain in your ornamental planting area chemically?

Preemergence herbicides that limit germination of plantain in turfgrass are those with the active ingredients atrazine, indaziflam, isoxaben, and mesotrione. Repeated applications of postemergence broadleaf herbicides can control plantain seedlings. However, control of mature plants with herbicides is difficult; products with 2,4-D work best. Additional postemergence herbicide options include bromoxynil, carfentrazone, dicamba, mesotrione, penoxsulam, and sulfentrazone. Quinclorac provides fair control of buckthorn plantain and poor control on broadleaf plantain. Clopyralid herbicides require the highest label rate for broadleaf plantain control.

Well-maintained turfgrass areas will assure a dense, healthy stand. Use best management practices such as thatch reduction, appropriate irrigation, and proper mowing height for the desired turf species. No single procedure has been successful in controlling plantain in turfgrass. Early removal of new seedlings is successful when practiced diligently. Digging out perennial plantain plants must be done regularly for several years to be successful. Once these weeds are eradicated, areas should be renovated and managed to establish a healthy turfgrass sward.

Preemergence herbicides to limit the growth of plantain seedlings in ornamental planting areas include isoxaben, flumioxazin, and indaziflam. Postemergence spot treatment with nonselective, systemic herbicides like glyphosate can control plantains in established ornamental plantings. Nonselective, contact herbicides like diquat, glufosinate, pelargonic acid, and products containing acetic acids, fatty acids, or plant oils can kill small seedlings, but will only damage the aboveground parts of more mature weeds. Use nonselective herbicides with care to prevent drift or overspray onto desirable plants.

Prevention is important since few options exist to control plantain in ornamental plantings. Pull weeds or spot treat with herbicides periodically during the year. Be aware that plantain regrowth from the crown system can limit the effectiveness of this method. Mulch with landscape fabrics to control seedlings of both species. Overlap fabric so light cannot reach the soil surface. Use polypropylene or polyester fabric or black polyethylene to block weed growth, then cover fabric with mulch to improve aesthetics. Organic mulches alone may control plantain seedlings if applied at 2 to 4 inches deep. Regularly inspect and hand weed ornamental areas.