Homeowners and land managers facing an invasion of Johnsongrass often look for a solution that promises total eradication. The question regarding whether a specific systemic herbicide will remedy johnson grass is complex, involving plant biology, chemical action, and proper application techniques.
Understanding the Johnsongrass Challenge
Johnsongrass (Sorghum halepense) is a perennial weed that establishes itself through an extensive rhizome system. This underground network allows the plant to survive drought and cold, making it resilient against simple surface-level treatments. The difficulty in controlling this species stems from its ability to store energy in these rhizomes, which enables rapid regrowth even after the visible stems have been cut or sprayed.
How Systemic Herbicides Work
To effectively answer if a product will remedy johnson grass, one must understand translocation. Contact herbicides only burn the tissue they touch, but systemic options move throughout the entire plant. Glyphosate and imazapic are examples of chemicals designed to travel from the leaves down to the roots. This movement is essential for killing the plant below the soil, preventing the rhizomes from sending up new shoots.
Timing and Growth Stage
The stage of growth plays a critical role in the success of the treatment. Applying a remedy during the early vegetative stage often results in quick top-kill, but may not penetrate deep enough to eliminate the rhizome network. Conversely, applying a systemic herbicide in the late summer or early fall, when the plant is moving sugars down to the roots, ensures the chemical reaches the storage organs, offering a higher chance of permanent removal.
Recommended Treatment Strategies
Achieving a complete remedy requires a combination of methods. Simply spraying the leaves might not suffice if the root system remains intact. Experts recommend specific protocols to ensure the herbicide reaches the rhizomes effectively.
Apply systemic herbicides when the plant is actively growing and transpiring heavily.
Use a surfactant to improve coverage and penetration of the waxy leaf surface.
Consider physical removal or repeated mowing to stress the plant before chemical treatment.
Treat in areas where the grass is not stressed by drought, as this reduces translocation.
Potential Limitations and Considerations
Even when the correct chemical is used, complete eradication can be difficult. Some johnson grass populations may exhibit resistance to specific herbicides. Moreover, seeds present in the soil can germinate for years, creating new plants that were not affected by the original treatment. Therefore, monitoring the area for regrowth is a necessary part of the remedy process.
Safety and Environmental Impact
Chemicals that will remedy johnson grass often lack selectivity, meaning they can damage desirable grasses and crops. Application must be precise to avoid harming surrounding vegetation. Additionally, these products can be harmful to aquatic life; therefore, avoiding application near drainage ditches or streams is critical for environmental safety.
