Is There an Herbicide That Does Not Kill Orchard Grass?

Sencor 75 DF

• Sencor 75 DF provides weed control in hay pastures without damaging orchard grass. The active herbicide ingredient in Sencor 75 DF is metribuzin, at the rate of 75 percent. The University of California recommends applying Sencor DF in the late fall at a rate of 0.5 to 1.0 lb. per acre with the addition of a non-ionic surfactant. Sencor applications provide pre-emergent control of carpetweed, prickly mallow and yellow woodsorrel. Post-emergent applications control a wide variety of grass weeds and broadleaf weeds, including barnyard grass, crab grass, johnson grass, cocklebur, chickweed and dandelion.

Pursuit DG

• The active ingredient in Pursuit DG, imazethapyr, provides weed control against broadleaf weeds and grasses. While the label does not give instructions for use in grass pastures, the University of California reports Pursuit DG mixed with a non-ionic surfactant and ammonium sulfate and applied at a rate of 1.44 oz. per acre in late winter provides effective control without significant damage to orchard grass crops.

Pronamide

• Pronamide, sold under the brand Kerb, causes little damage to orchard grass when applied at a rate of 0.25 lb. per acre in early spring. Application may occur pre-emergence or post-emergence through ground spraying, incorporation or aerial application, according to Cornell University Cooperative Extension.

Chateau

• The active ingredient in Chateau, flumioxazin, controls broadleaf weeds, including chickweeds, carpetweed, nightshades, common purslane, morning glories, wild mustard and dandelion. Residuals left in the soil continue the control of weeds after spraying . While not labeled for use in orchard grass, a study conducted by Richard Affeldt and Scott Simmons of Oregon State University in 2007 shows that an application rate of 0.125 lb. per acre in early spring results is considered relatively safe.