Here's the first segment of Grounds Maintenance's “Chemical Update” series. Each year, we revise the Updates to bring you a current and complete guide to pesticides registered for turf and landscape ornamentals. With all the changes occurring in the chemical industry, this is a tool you can really use.

This Update covers turfgrass herbicides. We'll publish subsequent Updates throughout 2002, covering insecticides, fungicides, fertilizer/pesticide combinations, PGRs and nonselective chemicals.

Using the Updates

We put the Updates 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). This format also allows us to provide other useful information, such as characteristics of the chemical, form of application and plant tolerances, in a compact and easy-to-use format.

• 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 31.

• 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. In addition, we provide phone numbers and website addresses for all the chemical suppliers listed, to aid you in pursuing additional product information.

• Blue Type

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

Follow the label

Label instructions are the ultimate guide to proper use of pesticides. This Update lists products that are labeled — either specifically or more generally — in a manner that allows the uses indicated. However, many exceptions, special situations, and state and local restrictions may apply. In other words, just because we show here that a chemical can control a certain weed, that doesn't mean that you can use it on all sites, on all kinds of turfgrasses, or in all states or all conditions.

Therefore, use these tables for preliminary planning only. Always read and follow label instructions for each chemical you use. This Update is not a substitute for label information.

Labels can sometimes be confusing. If you are unsure about using a certain product in your location, contact the nearest cooperative extension office, or your county agricultural agent.

Also, company websites often provide sections where you can ask technical questions, in addition to obtaining labels and MSDS's online. Suppliers often maintain toll-free phone numbers for the same purpose.

Look for other Chemical Updates throughout 2002. February and March will cover turf insecticides and fungicides respectively.

SUPPLIER CONTACT INFORMATION

Agrisel USA Inc.
678-441-0030
www.agrisel.com

Amvac Chemical Corp.
888-GO-AMVAC
www.amvac-chemical.com

Andersons
419-893-5050
www.andersonsgolfproducts.com

Aventis
800-843-1702
www.aventischipco.com

BASF Corp.
800-545-9525
www.turffacts.com

Bayer Corporation
800-842-8020
www.protect-your-turf.com

Best/Simplot
800-992-6066
www.bestfertilizer.com

Cleary Chemical Corp.
800-524-1662
www.clearychemical.com

Dow AgroSciences
800-258-3033
www.dowagro.com

Griffin LLC
800-237-1854
www.griffinllc.com

Helena Chemical
901-761-0050
www.helenachemical.com

Howard Johnson Enterprises
800-298-4656
www.hjefertilizer.com

Lebanon Seaboard
800-233-0628
www.lebturf.com

LESCO
800-321-5325
www.lesco.com

Micro Flo
800-451-8461
www.microflocompany.com

Monsanto Co.
800-332-3111
www.monsanto.com

Monterey Chemical Co.
559-449-2100
www.montereychemical.com

Opti-Gro
800-527-9919
www.opti-gro.com

PBI/Gordon Corp.
800-821-7925
www.trimec.com
www.pbigordon.com

Regal Chemical Co.
800-621-5208
www.regalchem.com

Riverdale
800-345-3330
www.riverdalecc.com

Rockland Corp.
800-543-1311

Sipcam Agro USA
800-295-0733
www.sipcamagrousa.com

Soil Technologies Corp.
800-221-7645, ext. 105
www.soiltechcorp.com

Syngenta
800-334-9481
www.syngenta.com

TopPro Specialties
800-888-5948
www.topprospecialties.com

United Horticultural Supply (UHS)
303-487-9000
www.uhsonline.com

Valent USA
800-89-VALENT
www.valent.com

Company web sites often allow you to access pesticide labels online. Another resource for labels is www.cdms.net, which lets you access most labels from most chemical companies.