New Products Enable Pre-emergent Weed Control AND Over-seeding

By Eric Maurer, National Sales Manager of ICT Organics


It is likely your standard yearly program calls for pre-emergent herbicides in the spring, fertility throughout the year, and over-seeding along with core aeration in the fall, or something similar.  New products, Pre-Emerg liquid and Pro Turf with Weed Control (granular) from ICT Organics, now enable you to apply a pre-emergent product in the fall.  This fall application will reduce overwintering weeds (e.g., Common Chickweed, Corn Speedwell, and Henbit etc...).

Both Pre-Emerg and Pro Turf with Weed Control affect the seed hairs on crabgrass and broadleaf weeds, thus reducing their viability.  Turfgrass seeds do not have hairs so they are not affected.  This is a complete shift from traditional barrier type products that restrict anything from germinating.


Untreated area on left, Pro-Turf with Weed Control applied on right

Pro Turf with Weed Control (granular) – Why not add a proven pre-emergent herbicide along with your fall fertility application?  Research shows Pro Turf Weed Control is a proven granular 10-0-2 fertilizer with a pre-emergent herbicide that prevents crabgrass and broadleaf weeds from forming.  Pro Turf with Weed Control contains no harsh ingredients and will not harm the turfgrass.  In addition, the nitrogen source provides for a very nice green-up.

Pre-Emerg (liquid) – For pre-emergent activity only, Pre-Emerg prevents crabgrass and broadleaf weeds from germinating.  Pre-Emerg has a negative allelopathic interaction with dicot and crabgrass seeds so area can be reseeded immediately after application.  Pre-Emerg has no effect on monocot seeds.

In 3 separate locations, tests concluded there was a decrease from year 1 to year 2 in seedbank pressure. 

To help with weeds that are already germinated and visible, adding Halo post-emergent herbicide in the tank with Pre-Emerg provides will provide you with a great one-two punch and extra control.  This approach will not only reduce seedbank pressure the following year but also clean up any broadleaf weeds actively growing now!

HALO is a selective post-emergent herbicide that is effective on a broad range of weeds, including but not limited to, Dandelion, Plantain, Clover, Ground Ivy, Knotweed, Purslane, Black Medic, Wild Violet, Foxtail, Curly Dock, Foxtail, and Catch Weed.  Proteins and oils in the formulation break down the plant cell wall, ultimately leading to death.  On the right, there is a graph demonstrating the results from a University of Guelph study, comparing organic weed killers.  Halo leads with 70% efficacy.

Pre-emergent weed control is relatively new to the organic industry; with the advent of these innovative products a complete organic turf care program is now possible.  Adding these services to your fall program will put your company’s and your customer’s lawns ahead of the curve and give you a great head-start for 2018!

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