The widespread evolution of multiple herbicide resistance in the most serious annual weeds infesting Australian cropping fields has forced the development of alternative, non-chemical weed control strategies, especially new techniques at grain harvest. Harvest weed seed control (HWSC) systems target weed seed during commercial grain harvest operations and act to minimize fresh seed inputs to the seedbank. These systems exploit two key biological weaknesses of targeted annual weed species: seed retention at maturity and a short-lived seedbank. HWSC systems, including chaff carts, narrow windrow burning, bale direct, and the Harrington Seed Destructor, target the weed seed bearing chaff material during commercial grain harvest. The destruction of these weed seeds at or after grain harvest facilitates weed seedbank decline, and when combined with conventional herbicide use, can drive weed populations to very low levels. Very low weed populations are key to sustainability of weed control practices. Here we introduce HWSC as a new paradigm for global agriculture and discuss how these techniques have aided Australian grain cropping and their potential utility in global agriculture.

Field studies were conducted to evaluate POST herbicides with adjuvants for the control of three-cornered jack in winter wheat. The herbicides evaluated were fluroxypyr 9.7% w/w + MCPA 38.8% w/w (formulated mixture [450 g ai ha−1]), carfentrazone-ethyl (20 g ai ha−1), bromoxynil 26.8% w/w + MCPA 40.0% w/w (formulated mixture [450 g ai ha−1]), thifensulfuron-methyl (75 g ai ha−1), and tribenuron-methyl (75 g ai ha−1), applied alone or tank mixed with the adjuvants alkyl ether sulfate sodium salt (625 mL ha−1) or fatty alcohol ethoxylate (375 mL ha−1). The addition of adjuvants to carfentrazone-ethyl resulted in > 94% control of three-cornered jack. Both adjuvants enhanced the efficacy of all herbicides for control of three-cornered jack, except thifensulfuron-methyl. However, a maximum increase in phytotoxicity on three-cornered jack was achieved with the addition of either adjuvant to tribenuron-methyl compared with herbicides used alone. Bromoxynil + MCPA and carfentrazone-ethyl gave maximum wheat yield and yield components.

Saflufenacil solubility and efficacy has been shown to be influenced by carrier water pH. This research was conducted to determine if altering the pH of a solution already containing saflufenacil would influence the efficacy of the herbicide. Saflufenacil at 25 g ai ha−1 was applied to field corn in carrier water with one of five initial pH levels (4.0, 5.2, 6.5, 7.7, or 9.0) and then buffered to one of four final solution pH levels (4.0, 6.5, 9.0, or none) for a total of twenty treatments. All treatments included ammonium sulfate at 20.37 g L−1 and methylated seed oil at 1% v/v. Generally, saflufenacil with a final solution pH of 6.5 or higher provided more dry weight reduction of corn than saflufenacil applied in a final pH of 5.2 or lower. When applying saflufenacil in water with an initial pH of 4.0 or 5.2, efficacy was increased by raising the final solution pH to either 6.5 or 9.0. Conversely, reduction in corn dry weight was less when solution pH of saflufenacil mixed in carrier water with an initial pH of 6.5 or 7.7 was lowered to a final pH of 4.0. When co-applying saflufenacil with herbicides that are very acidic, such as glyphosate, efficacy of saflufenacil may be reduced if solution pH is 5.2 or lower.

Indaziflam is an effective PRE herbicide for annual bluegrass control, but soil residual effects could inhibit spring turf establishment in treated areas. To test this hypothesis, field experiments were conducted to evaluate establishment of bermudagrass, centipedegrass, St. Augustinegrass, and zoysiagrass after fall indaziflam applications. Lateral spread of turfgrasses from plugs in summer generally had no meaningful differences from treatments. However, high indaziflam rates (70 and 140 g ai ha−1) had approximately two-fold more nonrooted stolons than the nontreated control while low rates (17.5 and 35 g ha−1), oxadiazon at 3360 g ai ha−1, and prodiamine at 840 g ai ha−1 were similar to the nontreated. Indaziflam at 70 g ha−1 and prodiamine applications in fall reduced sprig establishment of the four turf species from the nontreated control, but oxadiazon and low rates of indaziflam were similar. Bermudagrass establishment from seed was significantly reduced (20 to 50%) by indaziflam at 35 to 140 g ha−1, prodiamine, and oxadiazon, on several dates, but the low rate of indaziflam was similar to the nontreated at 10 wk after seeding. Overall, fall indaziflam applications at 17.5 to 35 g ha−1 appear safe on vegetative establishment of four warm-season turfgrasses in spring but reseeding bermudagrass in areas treated with rates > 17.5 g ha−1 may cause unacceptable delays in growth.

The development of crops resistant to 2,4-D, dicamba, and glufosinate may provide new options for the management of glyphosate-resistant (GR) giant ragweed and other herbicide-resistant weeds. A fallow field study was conducted in 2011 and 2012 to determine the control of GR giant ragweed with 2,4-D and dicamba applied alone and in combination with glufosinate or fomesafen. Dicamba and 2,4-D tank-mixed with glufosinate or fomesafen provided the highest level of control at 10 or 20 days after application (DAA). At 30 DAA, all herbicide treatments provided > 88% control of giant ragweed except glyphosate, glufosinate, and 2,4-D alone at 0.56 kg ae ha−1. Glyphosate, glufosinate, and 2,4-D alone at 0.56 kg ae ha−1 also had the highest number of giant ragweed plants (> 5.8 plants m−2) and highest biomass (> 19.2 g m−2). Contrast statements between 2,4-D and dicamba indicated no differences among treatments containing these herbicides. However, contrast analysis indicated that herbicides applied alone resulted in 56, 58, and 61% control while tank-mix combinations of 2,4-D or dicamba with glufosinate or fomesafen resulted in 86, 91, and 93% control, respectively. Herbicides applied alone also had more giant ragweed plants and biomass per m−2 than herbicides applied in tank-mix combinations. Tank-mixing combinations of 2,4-D and dicamba will be important for effective control of GR giant ragweed.

Dry-seeded rice systems are an emerging production technology in many Asian countries. A field study was conducted in 2011 and 2012 at the farm of the Rice Research and Development Institute, Batalagoda, Sri Lanka, to evaluate the performance of different herbicides in a dry-seeded rice system. Weed control treatments were nontreated (weedy), pretilachlor plus pyribenzoxim, cyhalofop-butyl, thiobencarb plus propanil, propanil, and bispyribac-sodium plus metamifop. All these POST herbicides were applied at 8 d after sowing, followed by an MCPA spray at 20 d after sowing. The dominant weeds in the study were barnyardgrass, Chinese sprangletop, and knotgrass. All herbicide treatments provided similar weed control, which ranged from 82 to 99%. Weeds in the nontreated plots reduced rice grain yield by 58 to 79% compared with the herbicide-treated plots. All herbicide-treated plots, except cyhalofop-butyl-treated ones, produced similar grain yield, which ranged from 3.7 to 4.2 t ha−1 in 2011 and from 6.0 to 7.0 t ha−1 in 2012. The results of our study suggest that different herbicides provided similar weed control and therefore different herbicides can be rotated in different seasons to reduce selection pressure on weeds.

A field study was conducted in 2007 and 2008 near Murphysboro, IL to determine the effect of plant height and addition of glyphosate on control of glyphosate-resistant horseweed with saflufenacil. Saflufenacil was applied at rates ranging from 25 to 125 g ai ha−1 alone and in combination with glyphosate at 840 g ae ha−1, and the efficacy compared to paraquat at 840 g ai ha−1. Control of horseweed with glyphosate applied alone was less than 30%, confirming the presence of glyphosate-resistant plants. At 14 d after application, all treatments with saflufenacil or paraquat provided at least 90% control. Saflufenacil applied alone at the lowest rate of 25 g ha−1 provided less control (92%) than all other treatments that included saflufenacil, and efficacy was reduced as horseweed height at application increased. Horseweed control from saflufenacil at 50 g ha−1 was reduced as plant height increased in 2007 but not in 2008. However, saflufenacil applied at 50 g ha−1 or greater resulted in at least 98% control, regardless of horseweed height at application or tank mixture with glyphosate. Combining glyphosate with saflufenacil at 25 g ha−1 increased horseweed control compared with saflufenacil applied alone and resulted in control similar to saflufenacil applied at 50 g ha−1. Control of horseweed from paraquat declined over time as the growth continued from the apical meristem. The extent of horseweed regrowth from applications of saflufenacil alone was less than that observed from paraquat. The addition of glyphosate to saflufenacil further reduced the frequency of horseweed regrowth compared with saflufenacil applied alone.

Methyl bromide (MeBr), classified as a Class I ozone-depleting substance, has been banned for ordinary agricultural uses. Weed control in commercial bell pepper production is complicated by the ban on MeBr and the lack of other available and effective soil fumigants. A field study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of allyl isothiocyanate (ITC) and metam sodium (methyl ITC generator) as MeBr alternatives for control of Palmer amaranth, large crabgrass, and yellow nutsedge; and for increasing marketable yields in low-density polyethylene (LDPE) –mulched bell pepper. Allyl ITC was applied at 450, 600, and 750 kg ha−1; metam sodium was applied at 180, 270, and 360 kg ha−1; and MeBr plus chloropicrin (67% and 33%, respectively) was applied at 390 kg ha−1. Allyl ITC and metam sodium did not injure bell pepper. Allyl ITC at 750 kg ha−1 or metam sodium at 360 kg ha−1 controlled Palmer amaranth (≥ 83%), large crabgrass (≥ 78%), and yellow nutsedge (≥ 80%) comparably to MeBr. Yellow nutsedge tuber density was ≤ 84 tubers m−2 in plots treated with the highest rate of allyl ITC and metam sodium and was comparable to the tuber density in MeBr-treated plots. Although allyl ITC at 750 kg ha−1 controlled weeds comparable to MeBr, total marketable bell pepper yield with allyl ITC was lower than the yield with MeBr. Conversely, total marketable bell pepper yield with the highest rate of metam sodium (53.5 ton ha−1) was equivalent to the yield (62.5 ton ha−1) in plots treated with MeBr. In conclusion, metam sodium at 360 kg ha−1 is an effective MeBr alternative for weed control in LDPE–mulched bell pepper.

Glyphosate-resistant (GR) weeds have been a prime challenge to the sustainability of GR cotton-based production systems of the midsouthern United States. Barnyardgrass is known to be a high-risk species for evolving herbicide resistance, and a simulation model was developed for understanding the likelihood of glyphosate resistance evolution in this species in cotton-based systems. Under a worst-case scenario of five glyphosate applications in monoculture GR cotton, the model predicts resistance evolution in about 9 yr of continuous glyphosate use, with about 47% risk by year 15. A unique insight from this model is that management in response to GR Palmer amaranth in this system (a reactive response) provided a proactive means to greatly reduce the risks of glyphosate resistance evolution in barnyardgrass. Subsequent model analysis revealed that the risk of resistance is high in fields characterized by high barnyardgrass seedbank levels, seedling emergence, and seed production per square meter, whereas the risk is low in fields with high levels of postdispersal seed loss and annual seedbank loss. The initial frequency of resistance alleles was a high determinant of resistance evolution (e.g., 47% risk at year 15 at an initial frequency of 5e−8 vs. 4% risk at 5e−10). Monte Carlo simulations were performed to understand the influence of various glyphosate use patterns and production practices in reducing the rate and risk of glyphosate resistance evolution in barnyardgrass. Early planting and interrow cultivation are useful tools. Crop rotation is effective, but the diversity of weed management options practiced in the rotational crop is more important. Diversifying weed management options is the key, yet application timing and the choice of management option is critical. Model analyses illustrate the relative effectiveness of a number of diversified glyphosate use strategies in preventing resistance evolution and preserving the long-term utility of glyphosate in midsouthern U.S. cotton-based production systems.

Virginia buttonweed and smooth crabgrass are problematic weeds in tall fescue and may warrant control with herbicides at similar timings. The objectives of these field experiments were to evaluate (1) aminocyclopyrachlor rate and application regimens for controlling Virginia buttonweed and (2) the influence of growth stage on aminocyclopyrachlor efficacy for controlling smooth crabgrass. Single applications of aminocyclopyrachlor at 0.05 and 0.08 kg ai ha−1 provided poor (< 70%) and fair (70 to 79%) control of Virginia buttonweed, respectively, but sequential applications improved control to 83 to 99%. Single and sequential applications of aminocyclopyrachlor at 0.11 kg ai ha−1 provided good (80 to 89%) and excellent (> 90%) control of Virginia buttonweed, respectively. Aminocyclopyrachlor at 0.11 kg ha−1 provided fair control of smooth crabgrass at the multileaf growth stage prior to tillering but control was poor when applied at the multitiller stage. Aminocyclopyrachlor at 0.05 and 0.08 kg ha−1 provided poor control of crabgrass at both timings and were less effective than fenoxaprop at 0.10 kg ai ha−1.

Herbicide-resistant crops, such as glyphosate-resistant (GR) soybean, allow for broad-spectrum, flexible weed control with minimal crop injury; however, the development of GR weeds, such as horseweed, has forced reliance on alternative herbicides for control of these weeds. While preplant (PP) herbicides provide excellent control of GR-horseweed, there are currently no POST herbicide control options within soybean. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of dicamba for the control of GR-horseweed when applied PP, POST, and sequentially in dicamba-resistant soybean. Dicamba applied PP at 600 g a.e. ha−1 provided 90 to 100% control of GR-horseweed 8 wk after application (WAA) across three field trials conducted in Ontario in 2011 and 2012. Similarly, sequential applications provided 91 to 100% control. This technology provides a much-needed POST option of dicamba to be applied as a rescue treatment to control weed escapes caused by late emergence or poor initial control following a PP herbicide application.

Fresh market tomato is an important and valuable crop in Florida, accounting for 630 million dollars farm-gate value, which was 45% of the total value of the U.S. crop in 2010. In order to maintain or increase its productivity, labeled herbicide alternatives to methyl bromide are important to limiting seed production of weeds emerging between the raised plasticulture beds. A study was conducted inside a greenhouse where carfentrazone was applied as a drench at 0.03125×, 0.0625×, 0.125×, 0.25×, 0.5×, 1×, 2×, 4×, and 8× and as a subsurface irrigation at 0.0625×, 0.125×, 0.25×, 0.5×, 1×, 2×, 4×, 8×, and 16× rates. The 1× rate equaled the maximum labeled rate of carfentrazone (35.1 g ai ha−1) that would be applied to an area of 0.360 m2. Both the drench and subsurface trials showed an increase in plant injury and reduced growth as the rate of carfentrazone increased. The drench trial, however, was observed to have higher visible injury and greater growth reduction (based on plant measurement) than the subsurface trial, when comparing similar rates. For the 1× rate of carfentrazone in the drench trial vs. the subsurface trial, injury was 66 and 24.5%, respectively. For the 1× rate the tomato plants had estimated growth, based on the curves fit for the data, of 4.8% vs. 39.9% for the drench and subsurface trials, respectively. The subsurface trial better represents what happens in the field when carfentrazone root uptake injury is observed since it is normally observed to be around 10% or less. This still leaves a level of concern; once a 10% injury level in the subsurface trial was estimated to have reduced tomato growth, fruit weight, and total shoot dry weight by 33, 15, and 9.5%, respectively.

Downy brome is one of the leading plant pests in winter wheat and no-till spring wheat in many areas of the country. It has recently been studied in North Dakota where it is emerging as a serious crop competitor. Downy brome plants produced up to 60 tillers and more than 7,500 seeds when no control measures were used and densities were less than 2 plants m−2. Experiments focusing on herbicide-application timing identified differences in downy brome control and the grain yield of spring wheat. Regardless of fall or spring application timing, glyphosate applied PRE to wheat completely controlled downy brome in 2007. In 2008, control was not achieved with the earliest glyphosate-application timings because of late-emerging plants. When comparing fall and spring application timings of other herbicides, imazapic provided at least 79% control at each timing and location, resulting in the highest imazamox-resistant spring wheat yield. In general, herbicides performed better when applied in fall than they did when applied in spring. When herbicides were applied POST, imazamox provided the greatest downy brome control and usually caused the largest numerical reduction in downy brome biomass, seed, and stem number. If downy brome was left untreated, regression analysis predicted approximately 2,000 stems m−2 could result in total yield loss of spring wheat.

Western salsify has recently formed dense stands in Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) lands in north-central Montana. Our objective was to test the effects of various herbicide treatments and mowing on western salsify and associated vegetation in CRP lands. Six herbicide treatments and one mowing treatment were applied at three sites in 2010. Herbicide treatments included combinations of glyphosate, 2,4-D, dicamba, and/or metsulfuron-methyl applied when western salsify was either in the rosette or early flowering stage. Mowing was applied at the early flowering stage. Herbicide treatments reduced western salsify and increased perennial grass at one of the three sites, which was the site most dominated by western salsify. When dicamba (0.14 kg ae ha−1) plus 2,4-D (0.48 kg ae ha−1) was applied at the rosette stage, western salsify adult plant density and biomass were reduced to zero and perennial grass biomass increased by 108% in 2010. In 2011, western salsify adult plant density was lower across all herbicide treatments compared to the mowed and nontreated plots. Annual grass density increased by up to 400% when herbicide applications including metsulfuron-methyl were applied at the early flowering stage. Mowing did not control western salsify. Results suggest dicamba plus 2,4-D applied at the rosette stage can provide effective control of western salsify and increase perennial grasses without stimulating the emergence of annual grasses.

Methyl bromide (MBr) was widely used as a soil fumigant to manage pests in the planting bed prior to transplanting fresh market tomato; however, it has been banned by the United Nations Environment Programme. Alternatives to MBr must be implemented to sustain productivity in fresh market tomato. Dimethyl disulfide plus chloropicrin (DMDS : Pic) is a fumigant alternative to methyl bromide for the management of yellow nutsedge and other soil-borne pests in tomato. Fumigant costs, environmental concerns, and risk mitigation measures encourage reduced fumigant application rates. Virtually impermeable film (VIF) and totally impermeable film (TIF) provide greater fumigant retention than low density and high density polyethylene film, VIF and TIF can allow for reduced fumigant application rates while maintaining fumigant efficacy. The objectives of this research were to evaluate TIF with reduced rates of shank-applied DMDS : Pic (79 : 21 w/w) for the control of yellow nutsedge in tomato. Treatments included a standard rate of DMDS : Pic (468 L ha−1) under VIF and TIF, a high rate (561 L ha−1) under VIF, three reduced rates (187 L ha−1, 281 L ha−1, and 374 L ha−1) under TIF, and a nontreated control under TIF and VIF. Results indicated rates may be reduced from a standard 468 L ha−1 under VIF to 187 L ha−1 (67% reduction) under TIF while maintaining yellow nutsedge control and tomato yields. In addition, the results indicated that nontreated TIF managed yellow nutsedge better than nontreated VIF because of decreased penetration of the mulch by yellow nutsedge.

Amicarbazone is a photosystem II–inhibiting herbicide recently registered for annual bluegrass control in established turf systems that include creeping bentgrass. However, research to date reveals potential issues with creeping bentgrass tolerance to amicarbazone. Currently, the plant-growth regulator paclobutrazol is widely adopted by turf managers for chemical annual bluegrass suppression in creeping bentgrass putting greens. Field experiments were conducted throughout North Carolina in the spring of 2010 and 2011 to assess treatment regimens that included amicarbazone (49, 65, or 92 g ai ha−1) and paclobutrazol (70, 140, or 280 g ai ha−1) applied alone, as tank-mixtures, or used in tandem, at varying rates and sequential timings for annual bluegrass control in creeping bentgrass putting greens. In general, regimens including both compounds provided greater annual bluegrass control and acceptable turfgrass tolerance compared with stand-alone applications of amicarbazone at 8 and 12 wk after initial treatment (WAIT). When comparing regimens that included amicarbazone at 49 or 65 g ha−1, creeping bentgrass tolerance was greater for the higher application rate applied less frequently. These results indicate amicarbazone usage on creeping bentgrass greens may be beneficially affected with the incorporation of paclobutrazol to treatment regimens because annual bluegrass control with the combination was equal to or greater than stand-alone amicarbazone applications, and creeping bentgrass tolerance was superior 8 and 12 WAIT.

The pH and hardness of water used as agrochemical carrier can influence herbicide efficacy. The objective of this research was to determine the role of carrier water pH and hardness on saflufenacil efficacy and solubility. Saflufenacil was mixed in eight different carrier waters with one of five pH levels (4.0, 5.2, 6.5, 7.7, 9.0) or one of three hardness levels (0, 310, 620 mg L−1) and applied POST to common lambsquarters and giant ragweed in a field experiment and to field corn in a greenhouse experiment. Solubility testing was also completed on saflufenacil mixed in the five pH levels used in the field and greenhouse experiments. Water hardness did not influence the efficacy of saflufenacil on common lambsquarters, giant ragweed, or field corn. Control of giant ragweed or common lambsquarters in field experiments was reduced by up to 56% when saflufenacil was applied in water with a pH of 4.0 compared with water with a pH of 7.7. When nonsoluble saflufenacil was removed from the spray solution, saflufenacil efficacy on field corn in the greenhouse was reduced by 61% or more when applied in water with a pH of 4.0 than when applied with water with a pH of 5.2 or higher. When nonsoluble saflufenacil was applied with the soluble saflufenacil in the spray solution, at least a 7% reduction in control of field corn was observed when applied in water with pH of 4.0 as compared with saflufenacil applied in water with pH of 5.2 or higher. Solubility of saflufenacil was (1) 10.1 mg L−1 in water with a pH of 4.0, (2) 3,461.4 mg L−1 in water with a pH of 7.7, and (3) > 5,000 mg L−1 at a pH of 9. Some degradation of parent saflufenacil was detected in the pH at 9.0 treatment, with only 90% of added product being recovered after 3 d of storage. This research provides information on how saflufenacil efficacy and solubility is influenced by carrier water pH and potentially explains some differences noticed between field applications of saflufenacil.

Greenhouse studies were conducted in 2012 in Raleigh, NC to determine Carolina redroot control by ten POST herbicides. Paraquat and glufosinate provided the greatest control 14 (73 and 64%, respectively) and 25 d (82 and 68%, respectively) after treatment (DAT), but control declined between 25 and 63 DAT (72 and 59%, respectively). Glyphosate provided minimal control 14 DAT (18%), and control increased from 14 to 25 DAT (46%) and 25 to 63 DAT (69%). Control of Carolina redroot roots and rhizomes (roots/rhizomes) was greatest in plants treated with paraquat (91%), glyphosate (88%), glufosinate (73%), hexazinone (62%), diuron (60%). Nontreated Carolina redroot shoot and root/rhizome dry weight were 8.3 and 7.6 g, respectively. Paraquat, glufosinate, glyphosate, and diuron reduced both shoot and root/rhizome dry weight (3.1 and 0.7 g, 5.1 and 2.7 g, 5.4 and 1.0, 5.7 and 1.6 g, respectively). Hexazinone reduced root/rhizome dry weight (2.7 g). Fomesafen reduced shoot dry weight (6.1 g), but did not reduce root/rhizome dry weight. Paraquat, glufosinate, glyphosate, hexazinone, diuron, and clopyralid treatments resulted in reduced incidence of Carolina redroot flowering and anthesis.

Field studies were conducted in 2010 and 2011 at two locations in Michigan to examine the effect of row width and herbicide combination on weed suppression and yield in the new Type II black bean variety ‘Zorro.' Black bean was planted in 38- and 76-cm rows. Six weed control strategies were examined: S-metolachlor + halosulfuron (PRE), S-metolachlor (PRE) followed by (fb) bentazon + fomesafen (POST), halosulfuron (PRE) fb clethodim (+ fomesafen at one site in one year) (POST), imazamox + bentazon (POST), a weed-free control, and a nontreated control. Weed control and crop injury were evaluated throughout the growing season. In addition, weeds were counted by species in late July, and weed biomass was harvested and weighed at the end of the season. Black bean yield was obtained by direct harvest. Narrow rows reduced weed populations in two of the four site–year combinations (referred to hereafter as site–years), reduced weed biomass in three of the four site–years, and often improved control of upright broadleaf weeds. All herbicide combinations generally reduced weed populations and biomass, but control of specific weeds was variable. Crop injury was generally slight and transient. Yield was greater in narrow rows in two of the four site–years. All herbicide combinations increased yield compared with the nontreated control and resulted in similar yields to one another. Yield and weed suppression was often maximized in narrow rows, while herbicide performance varied by year and weed spectrum.

PRE herbicides have been reported to injure both the foliage and roots of hybrid bermudagrass turf established in sand culture. Research was conducted to evaluate the influence of reed-sedge peat moss (RSPM) on hybrid bermudagrass injury following PRE herbicide applications to plants established in sand culture. Washed sod plugs were established in mini-rhizotrons constructed with sand root-zones varying in organic carbon content (0.000, 0.003, 0.007, and 0.012 kg kg−1). Herbicide treatments included indaziflam (35 and 52.5 g ai ha−1) and prodiamine (840 g ai ha−1). Significant foliar injury was only observed with indaziflam at 52.5 g ha−1. When applied to plants in sand with no detectable (0.000 kg kg−1) organic carbon, foliar injury measured 61% by 6 wk after treatment. Comparatively, injury with indaziflam at 52.5 g ha−1 was reduced by 40% with applications to plants established in sand with 0.007 kg kg−1 organic carbon. Root length, root length density, and root surface area were greatest in sand-based root zones with ≥ 0.007 kg kg−1 organic carbon regardless of herbicide treatment; however, only indaziflam (52.5 g ha−1) and prodiamine-treated plants exhibited diminished root parameters relative to the nontreated check. Data in the current study illustrate that RSPM can affect above- and belowground injury following PRE herbicide applications to hybrid bermudagrass in sand root-zones.