How Can I Control Green Kyllinga?

Do you want to prevent green kyllinga infestation?

Do you have a green kyllinga infestation in turfgrass?

Do you want to control green kyllinga with a chemical control method?

Do you want to control green kyllinga with preemergent herbicides?

Do you want to try controlling green kyllinga in ornamental landscapes using mulches?

The best management approach is to prevent new infestations by excluding and monitoring for the weed. Thoroughly clean mowers and cultivation equipment before moving from infested to weed-free areas. If solitary plants of green kyllinga are found, they should be grubbed out (i.e., remove the entire plant, roots, and all) and the area monitored for several months to ensure removal was complete.

Preemergent herbicides have been successful in limiting germination of green kyllinga seeds. These herbicides should be applied in spring before soil temperatures reach 60°F to limit germination in late spring and early summer. Preemergent materials that are effective include benefin, bensulide, dithiopyr, pendimethalin, and prodiamine. Be sure the turfgrass has adequate drainage to reduce the potential for proliferation by this weed. The use of herbicides can be very effective if combined with cultural methods such as water management and the exclusion of green kyllinga from turf and landscape areas.

Postemergent herbicides can limit the growth of green kyllinga. Herbicide products available for green kyllinga and plants in the sedge family contain halosulfuron, imazosulfuron, MSMA, or trifloxysulfuron. Be sure to select a product that is safe for your existing turfgrass species. The best control has been obtained when halosulfuron is applied in two sequential applications. Make the second halosulfuron application when kyllinga plants show signs of recovering.

Controlling green kyllinga in turfgrass requires a combination of control procedures. Wet or overwatered areas in turfgrass provide ideal habitat for a green kyllinga invasion. To reduce the chance of invasion or slow the invasion into turfgrass, don't overwater the turf. If low areas stay wet, improve drainage or reduce water applications in that area. Early grubbing of solitary infestations has been successful when practiced diligently.

Mulching with landscape fabrics can be effective if fabrics are overlapped and no light is allowed to penetrate the soil. Geotextile mulches combined with hand removal should provide adequate control of green kyllinga in perennial planting beds. Use polypropylene or polyester fabric or black polyethylene (plastic tarp) to block all plant growth. Wood chips or bark should be placed on top to inhibit breakdown by UV light. Organic mulches alone might not effectively control kyllinga, because it will probably grow through the mulch.

Preemergent herbicides such as oryzalin and pendimethalin can be used to limit seedling germination in sites where their use is permitted. Make applications in April before soil temperatures reach 60°F. Preemergent herbicides will be of little benefit if estab­lished kyllinga plants are present. Post-emergent herbicides containing halosulfuron are registered for use in established ornamental plantings. Spot treatment with glyphosate can reduce green kyllinga’s growth, but don’t let the spray come in contact with desirable plants or injury will result.