The chemical industry is ever-changing and new products are introduced every year, so our Chemical Updates offer a practical tool. This month's Update covers turfgrass herbicides.

The updates are in table format because this is the most practical way to take you from problem (the pest you're trying to control) to the solution (the chemical that will control the pest).

• Chemical names

  We list chemicals by active ingredient because many are available in numerous brands. To see the selection of brands that use a given active ingredient, see “Herbicide sources,” on page 45.

• Chemical characteristics

  This section indicates whether a chemical is a pre- or post-emergent, and selective or non-selective.

  Next to this section, you'll find whether the chemical is also labeled for ornamental use.

  You'll then see whether a chemical is applied in granular or spray form (or both) so you can find products that fit your preferred method of application.

• Plant tolerances

  This section indicates which turfgrasses are labeled as tolerant to chemicals. It includes all the major turfgrass species.

• Weeds controlled

  This section comprises the bulk of the Herbicide Update. Divided into two parts — grassy weeds and broadleaf weeds — this portion of the Update provides a complete listing of chemical options for nearly all significant turfgrass weeds. Simply find the weed in the list that runs across the top of the page and then follow that column down to see which chemicals can be used against the weed.

• Suppliers and contact information

  Finally, you'll see a listing of brands and suppliers for all the chemicals listed in the Update.

• Red Type

  You'll notice a few listings in red type. This indicates active ingredients or combinations of active ingredients that are new to the turf and ornamental market.

For a comprehensive list of the Chemical Update tables that accompany this article, go to our Industry Research resource at http://research.grounds-mag.com.