Smutgrass is a clump-type grassy weed that is commonly found in grazed pastures throughout the Southeast. Currently, the only herbicide registered for control of smutgrass is hexazinone and it is unknown if hexazinone negatively impacts bermudagrass forage growth and quality. Experiments were conducted to determine the impact of hexazinone rate on bermudagrass yield and crude protein. All rates of hexazinone reduced bermudagrass yield at 4 wk after treatment (WAT). From 6 to 12 WAT, no bermudagrass yield reduction was observed except for the 2 kg/ha treatment. The yield reducing effects of hexazinone were transitory at the 0.5 and 1.0 kg/ha rates; cumulative yield for the season was reduced by 17 and 23%, respectively. Although yield was negatively influenced by hexazinone, crude protein generally increased in a linear fashion with increased hexazinone rate.

Nomenclature: Hexazinone, bermudagrass, Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. × C. transvaalensis Burtt-Davy, ‘Tifton-85’