About

Annual bluegrass (Poa annua) is a troublesome weed in turf and maintained landscapes. Its invasive biology and acquired herbicide resistance challenges turfgrass managers by increasing costs and compromising expected outcomes.

A team of 16 university scientists have embarked on a $5.6 million project to limit the impact of annual bluegrass in athletic, golf, lawn, and sod farm turf. The team’s multifaceted approach, funded by USDA-NIFA Specialty Crops Research Initiative (SCRI), has the following objectives:

• Characterize the nationwide distribution of herbicide-resistant Poa annua populations
• Seek weaknesses in the weed’s biology and growth characteristics in order develop non-chemical control strategies
• Identify socio-economic constraints that may affect control strategies and stewardship of herbicide technologies
• Develop and deliver best management practices (BMPs) through Cooperative Extension and education.