A St. Augustine turfgrass sod production field.


• MSMA plays a critical role in weed control in our industry and needs its use for turfgrass production to be permanently registered.


• Customers demand that turfgrass sod is clean and free from invasive weeds such as crabgrass, goosegrass, dallisgrass, tropical signalgrass, foxtails, and other annual or perennial grassy weeds effectively controlled by MSMA.


• An increasing number of weeds have developed resistance to other herbicides, but there is no significant documented resistance to MSMA. Te diminished use of MSMA coupled with the increased weed resistance has made adequate weed control in the Southeastern U.S. more challenging.


• MSMA is part of a sound integrated pest management (IPM) program and without it, some weeds that are resistant to other herbicides simply cannot be adequately controlled.


• Effective use of MSMA can reduce use of other chemicals that are less effective.


• Lack of MSMA has become a major concern for sod producers in Florida and re-registration in that state is of vital importance.


Now, the million-dollar question is… “What is the current status regarding purchase and application of organic arsenicals during the ongoing period of scientific review?” Group II uses including golf courses, sod farms, and highway rights of way are allowable with certain restrictions. In sod production, these restrictions limit MSMA use to two broadcast applications per season and no applications within 25 feet of permanent bodies of water. During the period of scientific review, the current application restrictions are not likely to change unless otherwise announced by the EPA. Two websites, which are included below, have been set up so that anyone who is interested can access the most current information relative to MSMA and other organic arsenicals.


United States Environmental Protection Agency Website for Organic Arsenicals: https://www.epa.gov/ingredients-used-pesticide-products/ monosodium-methanearsonate-msma-organic-arsenical


Organic Arsenical Products Task Force: http://www.oaptf.com


TPI will continue to work on this issue and is seeking turfgrass producers who may be willing to help in this process. Please contact TPI at creynolds@TurfGrassSod.org or 847-737-1846 to provide any comments or support.po t.


Casey Reynolds, PhD, is executive director of Turfgrass Producers International.


TPI Turf News July/August 2019 15


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