DSMA Selective Herbicide

DSMA Selective Herbicide is not registered to control Carpet Grass. The product label advises that DSMA may cause severe injury to carpet grass, so repeat applications may help suppress it from buffalo turf.

It sounds as though you are seeing the results of phytotoxicity. This may result from the over-application of the herbicide, environmental conditions or plant sensitivity. With this effect, the chemical interferes with essential plant processes, leading to symptoms like stunted growth, discolouration, tissue necrosis and deformities. It's worth noting that some injury may occur if DSMA is applied when air temperatures exceed 30 degrees C, and it's best to spray either in the early or later parts of the day when temperatures are cooler. It is unlikely that the damage will be permanent on the couch turf.

DSMA Selective Herbicide is not registered to control crowsfoot grass in turf situations. DSMA is recommended to control Paspalum (Paspalum Dilatatum)(Bahia Grass), Sedges, Mullumbimby Couch, Crab Grass, Nut Grass & Summer Grass/Crab Grass (Digitaria spp.). 

DSMA Selective Herbicide only has rates for use in turf grass situations to be applied via Boom Application. This is to ensure the finest spray is applied evenly over the area. The Boom spray rate is 250-660mL in 4.5- 20L water per 100m2 on the turf couch. Some users use the DSMA as a spot spray as an 'off-label' recommendation. We have heard that a mixing rate of 30mL per 1 litre of water is used for this purpose. Care needs to be taken as the over-application of the product will result in phytotoxicity damage. Please read the 'directions for use' carefully before application. These are on the products screen under the 'SDS & Technical' tab.

DSMA Selective Herbicide is not explicitly registered to remove Kikuyu from Buffalo Turf. However, when applied to Kikuyu, severe damage to the grass is likely, and if repeat applications are made, then the Kikuyu should be removed.

We do not recommend applying herbicides on newly seeded lawns due to the risk of damaging/killing any newly germinating grass or seed. Most selective herbicides registered for lawn use recommend application to 'established lawns'. 

To the best of our knowledge, no selective herbicides list Microlaena stipoides (Weeping Grass) as a compatible species for their use. As Weeping Grass is a grass species, selective broadleaf herbicides should be safe. However, a small trial is recommended before full application because this is off-label. For the control of Bidens pilosa (Blackjack), also known as Cobbler's Pegs and Farmers Friends, a selective herbicide such as 24D Amine 625 could be considered as it is registered to control many broadleaf weeds, including cobbler's pegs and various thistles.

DSMA Selective Herbicide is not registered for post-emergent control of winter grass (Poa annua). We recommend post-emergents, Surefire Propyzamide 500 SC Herbicide, and Metric Herbicide. Oxafert Herbicide and Fertiliser is a pre-emergent that will help control germinating weed seedlings up to 10 weeks after application. Oxafert will not control existing weeds.

Typically, it is advisable to wait until the newly seeded couch grass has been mowed at least two to three times or has reached a certain height or maturity before applying any herbicides, including DSMA. Ideally, the couch should grow new stolons (runners) and establish new couch plants. This waiting period allows the grass to develop a well-established root system and become more tolerant to herbicide applications.

The Withholding Period Details (WHP) for DSMA Selective Herbicide advises that it is "Not Applicable when used as directed".  This WHP refers to animals destined for slaughter or other byproducts that are to be used for human consumption.  If you are questioning when is a safe time for animals to re-enter the paddock after application, removing them from the area until the DSMA Selective Herbicide has dried is considered the best practice.

DSMA Selective Herbicide is formulated with an in-built wetting agent.  The DSMA 'directions for use' do not specify the need to add more wetting agents for better results.  You may choose to test the effectiveness of adding an extra wetting agent in your own 'off-label' trial, and a non-ionic wetting agent/surfactant would be adequate for this situation.

DSMA Selective Herbicide is registered as being safe to use on  'Turf Couch' (hybrids such as 'TifTuf' inclusive)  to control Paspalum (Paspalum Dilatatum)(Bahia Grass), Sedges, Mullumbimby Couch, Crab Grass, Nutgrass, and Summer Grass/ Winter Grass.  As a pre-emergent for your situation, we recommend Barricade or Spartan Herbicide or Onset 10GR Granular Herbicide as they are registered to control most of your problematic grass weeds in a variety of lawns (hybrid couches included), excluding nutgrass.

DSMA Selective Herbicide is not registered or recommended for use outside of specific turf/lawn situations. You may like to consider similar products such as Militate MSMA Herbicide that are registered for Paspalum control in non-crop situations, but bear in mind they may damage pasture grasses. There is also a 5-week withholding period for grazing sprayed areas. Spot spraying with a knockdown herbicide such as Glyphosate may be a better option as there are no withholding implications for grazing animals.

The recommended time for keeping pets and children away from areas sprayed with DSMA herbicide varies depending on the specific product and application method. However, keeping pets and children away from treated areas is generally recommended until the spray has dried.

DSMA Selective Herbicide application is recommended via Boom Application, so the finest spray is applied evenly over the area. The Boom spray rate is 250-660mL in 4.5- 20L water per 100m2 on turf couch. Some users apply the DSMA as a spot spray as an 'off-label' recommendation. We have heard that a mixing rate of 30mL per 1 litre of water being used for this purpose. Care needs to be taken as the over-application of the product will result in phytotoxicity damage. Please read the 'directions for use' carefully before application. These can be found on the products screen under the 'SDS & Technical' tab.

DSMA Selective Herbicide is registered as being safe to use on couch and fescue. The only recommendation we can make is a non-selective herbicide, i.e. glyphosate, applied as a spot spray to the invading couch. However, this will also kill any fescue that it may have contact with.

We recommend Metric Herbicide for the selective post-emergent control of Crowsfoot Grass, Winter Grass and Summer Grass in certain turf species, including Queensland Blue Couch.

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DSMA Selective Herbicide is not registered or recommended to control broadleaf weeds, including Bindi, in couch lawns.  We recommend herbicides such as Kamba M, Bow & Arrow or Surefire Buffalo & Bindi as better options.

As Nullabor Couch is a hybrid of the couch family, it should be acceptable for use with DSMA.  As Nullabor Couch is not listed on the label, conducting a trial application in an inconspicuous area would be recommended before spraying the whole area.

Using a detergent with herbicides is not recommended (ever). They are designed to remove grease and dirt from surfaces such as dishes and can have the same effect by removing the active ingredients from your spray mix. Detergents create foam and bubbles and leave an oily residue on what you have sprayed, and that is about it. We suggest reading our blog article 'Why detergents are not suitable wetting agents' to understand why they should never be used. Wetting Agents are specially designed and manufactured as companion products for most herbicides. We recommend using a suitable wetting agent with the DSMA for complete leaf coverage and penetration and to guarantee the best results.

The DSMA Selective Herbicide has a varied rate of application. The lower rates reduce discolouration of the turf, but will require follow applications. Even when applied at the higher rates, some weeds may require a repeat spray. There is no guarantee that the weeds will be wiped out after one application, and a repeat spray program is done as necessary. Different application rates depend on whether it is the first or repeat sprays. Different types of turf are also sprayed at different rates, which can be found on the DSMA Selective Herbicide label (see the 'SDS and Technical' tab on the website).

Turf Couch rates vary from 250mL-660mL in 4.5L - 20L of water, evenly applied over 100m2. 

Buffalo Turf is applied at 250mL in 4.5L - 20L of water, evenly applied over 100m2. 

A general mixing rate for DSMA Selective Herbicide is to mix 30mL per 1-Litre of water when applying as a spot spray.

DSMA Selective Herbicide does not claim control over Dichondra, so the effectiveness is unknown.  Unfortunately, selective herbicides containing 2,4-D are known to be effective on Dichondra, but these will also cause severe damage or death to Buffalo turf.  If you did want to undertake a trial or your own test 'off-label' then a rate of 30mL per 1-Litre of water should be sufficient.  There is no rainfast period listed for DSMA, so a minimum of 6 hours is advised.

Do not use DSMA Selective Herbicide on Kikuyu lawns as severe injury may result.

The total water rate applied is significant when using DSMA.  The amount of water that needs to be applied to a bowling gree per application is 300L.  This water rate would require four applications with your 75-litre spray unit and a mixing rate of 1.5L - 2.5L per 75L for each tank load.  Note that the lower rates are used to avoid any discolouration of the turf, but repeat applications may be required.  If you do not want to repeat the application, mix at a higher rate, but be ready for the chance of discolouration.

DSMA Selective Herbicide is available to be purchased by residential households for use on their turf.  It is strongly recommended that the 'directions of use' are read, understood and followed before using.

DSMA Selective Herbicide should not be used on Queensland Blue Couch, Carpet, Kikuyu or Centipede grasses as severe injury may occur.  Repeat application of DSMA to these grasses will eventually control and remove them.

Zoysia is not listed on the DSMA Directions for Use / Label, so we cannot say with certainty that it is safe to use. 

After spraying DSMA Selective Herbicide, pets, livestock, children etc., should not be allowed back into the area until after the spray has completely dried.

The mixing rate of DSMA Selective Herbicide to control Crabgrass and Nutgrass is 250mL – 660mL in 4.5L – 20L Water per 100m2 (All states except WA).  The lower rates will reduce discolouration but will require repeat applications at seven days and 14 days later.  Application is recommended via Boom Application, so the finest spray possible is applied evenly over the area.  Some users choose to apply as a spot spray as an 'off-label' recommendation.  We have heard that a mixing rate of 30mL per 1-Litre of Water has been used for this purpose, and care needs to be taken as the over-application of the product will result in phytotoxicity damage.

DSMA Selective Herbicide is used to control Crowsfoot Grass, Mullumbimby Couch, Nutgrass, Paspalum, Sedge, Summer Grass / Crab Grass in certain turf species.  Crowsfoot Grass is also known as Bull grass, Crabgrass, Dog grass, Goosegrass, Goosefoot & Iron grass.

DSMA Selective Herbicide is registered for use in Bent or Fescue Turf (Golf Greens, Parks, Lawns & Tennis Courts) & is fine to use on these species.  DSMA does not include any reference to  Kentucky Bluegrass, so we can't guarantee the results or safety of the turf.  Some DSMA formulations registered overseas have Bluegrass on the label, but nothing in Australia.  You may choose to conduct an 'off-label' trial with DSMA on your turf blend, and if so, you should do this in an inconspicuous area.

The DSMA Selective Herbicide does have an interesting label that takes some figuring out when not being applied via boom application.  A general calculation that we recommend for customers using DSMA as a spot spray is 30mL per 1-Litre water.

The best practice is not to apply other herbicides or fertilisers to the treated area for 2-weeks after application.

For Green Couch (Bermuda) lawns (not Qld Blue Couch) we recommend the following post-emergent herbicides to selectively remove paspalum - Monument Liquid Turf Herbicide (seedhead suppression), DSMA Selective Herbicide, Militate MSMA Herbicide & Monopoly MSMA Herbicide.  Pre-emergent options that are suitable for green couch and many other turf varieties include - Barricade Herbicide & Spartan Herbicide.

Tiftuf Turf is a hybrid couch from the Cynodon dactylon (green couch) turf family, so DSMA should be fine to use.  Note that DSMA is recommended to be applied by boom spray application, so if spot spraying, some yellowing can occur due to the extra volume of chemical applied.

DSMA Selective Herbicide does not have any reference to Ryegrass safety on its label so we can't advise the safety of the product.  DSMA is safe to use on other cool-season grasses (fescue & bentgrass) so a trial may be worthwhile.

DSMA Selective Herbicide is registered as safe for use on 'Buffalo Turf' so it should be fine on your Palmetto.  DSMA Selective Herbicide will control Paspalum, Summergrass, Mullumbimby Couch, Sedges, Crab Grass (summer grass) & Nut Grass.  It will not take out Couch or Creeping Oxalis and will only suppress Kikuyu.  Repeat applications will be required on the Kikuyu to eradicate it.  We recommend Buffalo, Bindi & Broadleaf Weedkiller for the Creeping Oxalis and other broadleaf weeds.  We are unaware of any products registered to selectively remove the couch from Buffalo Turf.  Painting or spot spraying Glyphosate/Roundup is an option but will also kill any buffalo it comes in contact with.  There are selective herbicides available that target grass species without harming broadleaf varieties (ie Fusilade & Cannonade), however, they do not have any claims when used in turf situations.  Buffalo is a broadleaf species of turf.

DSMA is recommended not to be used on Kikuyu grass as severe injury may result.  You may decide on the spot spraying of the Paspalum, however, you should expect damage to the Kikuyu, discolouration and possible death.

There are various options to remove summer grass (crabgrass) from legend couch selectively.  Legend Couch is part of the couch species (Cynodon dactylon), so selective herbicides suitable for use on green couches are safe to use.  As a post-emergent spray, DSMA Herbicide,  Quinstar Herbicide, Crowbar Herbicide & Prolan Herbicide.  As a pre-emergent application, Barricade Herbicide, Spartan Herbicide, Freehand Herbicide & Ronstar Turf Herbicide. 

Do not use DSMA on Queensland Blue Couch, Carpet, Kikuyu or Centipede grasses as severe injury may result.

DSMA will suppress Kikuyu, so repeat applications will be required to eradicate it.  You might also like to look at Tribute Herbicide as it is also registered to suppress Kikuyu growing in couch turf.  There are some excellent testimonials in the Tribute brochure from turf specialists who used Tribute Herbicide for this purpose.

After spraying DSMA Selective Herbicide, pets, livestock, children etc should not be allowed back into the area until after the spray has completely dried.  There is no specific mention of reseeding or oversowing on the label for DSMA Selective Herbicide.  However, as DSMA has a half-life in the soil of 55 days, which means that it will take 55 days for half the amount of DSMA to be completely degraded and released as carbon dioxide, we would not recommend trying to oversow before this time elapses.

DSMA Herbicide is registered for use on 'common green couch' without any mention of the hybrid species including Wintergreen.  Wintergreen Couch is a hybrid green couch so it should be tolerant of DSMA.  As the variety is not specifically listed on the label we would recommend a small trial area be selected to ensure no damage occurs to be on the safe side.