HPIPM:Goosegrass

Taxonomy

Domain	Eukarya
Kingdom	Plantae
Phylum	Magnoliophyta
Class	Magnoliopsida
Superorder	Lilianae
Order	Poales
Family	Poaceae
Subfamily	Chloridoideae
Tribe	Cynodonteae
Genus	Eleusine

Scientific Name

Eleusine indica

Common Name

goosegrass

Goosegrass (Eleusine indica (L.) Gaertn.)

Compiled by Hilary Parkinson Hilary Parkinson, and Evette Allison, Montana State University, from the following sources:

Hitchock, C and A. Cronquist. 2001. Flora of the Pacific Northwest. University of Washington Press, Seattle.

Midwestern turfgrass weed identification and control: Goosegrass or silver crabgrass. Available at: http://www.turf.uiuc.edu/weed_web/descriptions/goosegrass.htm

PBI/Gordon Corporation: Weed Alert.Com. Available at: http://www.weedalert.com/weed_pages/wa_goosegrass.htm

Michigan State University: MSU Turfweeds.net. Available at: http://www.msuturfweeds.net/details/_/goosegrass_50/

UC IPM Online State wide integrated pest management program. Goosegrass. Available at: http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/WEEDS/goosegrass.html

University of Missouri Extension: Practical Weed Science for the Field Scout: Corn and Soybeans: Goosegrass (Eleucine indica) http://extension.missouri.edu/publications/DisplayPub.aspx?P=IPM1007-58#Goosegrass

Virginia Tech Weed Identification Guide: Goosegrass: Eleusine indica. Available at: http://www.ppws.vt.edu/scott/weed_id/elein.htm

http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=ELIN3

Identification and Life Cycle

Goosegrass or wiregrass, is a warm season, summer annual with stems radiating outwards from a central point. The distinctive white center of goosegrass distinguishes it from most other grass weeds. It is a weed of turfgrass, ornamental landscapes and agronomic crops. It’s been reported in Quebec, Ontario, and all the lower 48 states except the northwestern states of Washington, Idaho, Montana and Wyoming.

Goosegrass is a coarse bunch-type grass that forms a basal rosette of prostrate to occasionally upright stems up to 2 feet long. Plants commonly appear compressed to the soil, as if they have been repeatedly stepped on. The stems do not root at nodes. The root system is fibrous, and the lower portions of stems near the base are a distinctive silver or white. Leaves are dark green, pubescent near the base, and smooth and keeled below. They grow up to 12” long and 1/3” wide. Flowers are composed of 2 to 10 flattened, finger-like spikes that resemble a zipper. They emerge from a common point in July to September.

This weed may be confused with Smooth Crabgrass, (Digitaria ischaemum). Leaves of goosegrass are mostly folded or flat in the bud, leaves of smooth crabgrass are rolled in the bud.

Habitats

Goosegrass is normally found in compacted areas or areas of heavy wear. This weed occurs in lawns and sports turf areas during the mid to late growing season. It is usually found in full sun and often in poorly drained or compacted soil.

Biology and Ecology

Goosegrass seedheads contain 3 -7 spikes that form at the tip of the seed stalk. The seeds are attached in a zipper appearance on the spike. This plant spreads by seeds that germinate later in the season than other annual grasses where it is highly competitive during hot summers. Goosegrass can out-compete desirable grasses where soil is compacted and produce seeds even when closely mowed.

Biological Control

Currently there is no biological control for goosegrass.

Mechanical and Cultural Control

To control goosegrass without chemicals, mechanically remove or hand pull. Maintain turf density and health through proper culture, especially during spring and summer. Increase drainage and avoid light frequent irrigation, summer fertilization, and close mowing or scalping. Reduce soil compaction by limiting traffic, especially when the soils are wet; core aerify when the turf is actively growing. Do not seed when soil and weather conditions are appropriate for the germination of goosegrass (60 to 65 F º). A raised mowing height may help prevent the establishment of this weedy grass by providing shade from sunlight.

Chemical Control

Consult and follow all herbicide labels for additional rate, application, restriction, and safety information. Additional herbicide information can be found at http://www.greenbook.net.

Due to constantly changing labels, laws and regulations, the sponsors of this web site assume no liability for the suggested use of any chemicals noted in the management section. Contact your local pest management personnel for current information on labeled pesticides that can be used for the intended plant disease, insect pest or weed.

References

For more images please visit IPM Images: http://www.ipmimages.org/search/action.cfm?q=goosegrass