MOSS CONTROL

IN TURF

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR USE

For Control of Moss on Golf Greens and Other High Value Turf

DeMoss™ Moss and Algicide is an effective tool for selective control of moss growing on golf course greens and other commercial turf applications.

DeMoss can be used as follows:

to control moss on all turf types including closely mowed bent and bermuda grass,

effectively under most environmental conditions, even cool weather,

without staining cement cart paths, shoes or clothing,

with low toxicity to nontarget organisms and the environment,

prior to reseeding which can occur shortly after application.

Formulation and Active Ingredients: DeMoss contains potassium salts of fatty acids which are extracted from plant and/or animal sources. Fatty acids occur naturally in many biological systems. DeMoss' inert ingredients are a combination of water and ethanol. DeMoss is readily biodegradable and will not persist in the environment.

Mode of Action: DeMoss acts on contact by disrupting the cuticle and cellular membranes of moss, resulting in desiccation and rapid death. DeMoss is active only while in solution and must contact the target moss to be effective.

Steps for Successful Control of Moss Growing in Turf

1. Cultural practices which promote healthy turf are the key to successfully managing moss. Good drainage and aeration, adequate sunlight and air movement, good fertility and a moderate pH all promote good soil structure and strong turf which can out-compete moss.

2. Apply DeMoss to eliminate moss from infested areas as a spot treatment, or as a blanket application if moss growth is wide spread.

3. Rake out the dead moss after it has desiccated and discolored. Alter the site's conditions and cultural practices to reduce or prevent the regrowth of moss in treated areas. Reseeding of treated areas can occur once the area has been properly prepared.

Use Guidelines For Controlling Moss In Turf Areas

Rates: Dilute DeMoss at the concentration of one part to 30 parts water. For spot treatments apply DeMoss to saturate the patches of moss. Apply DeMoss at the rate of 10 gallons of spray per 1000 square feet for large scale applications .

Application: DeMoss acts as a desiccant and must contact all portions of targeted moss to be effective. Apply DeMoss during early morning hours during periods of cool temperature and avoid applications during periods when air temperatures exceed 85°F. Irrigate areas prior to the application of DeMoss to improve effectiveness and reduce potential for phytotoxicity.

Interval: The desiccation of moss treated with DeMoss will begin immediately and become visually apparent within hours. The rate of activity is temperature dependent and may take longer under cool conditions. Retreat areas if moss regrows.

Mixing: Add the required amount of DeMoss to the spray water. DeMoss mixes readily with soft water to form a true solution, so vigorous agitation is not required. When tank mixing DeMoss with other pesticides, add pesticides in the following order: conditioning agents, wettable or soluble powders, flowable liquids, emulsifiable concentrates, followed by DeMoss. Use a defoaming agent to control excessive foaming, if necessary.

Hard Water: Water is referred to as "hard" when it contains greater than 300 ppm of metal ions (calcium, magnesium, iron, etc.). The fatty acid salts in DeMoss will bind with metal ions and precipitate if mixed with hard water. Precipitation can result in reduced sprayability of the spray solution due to insoluble clumps, reduced pest control effectiveness, and/or increased potential for plant injury. Compatibility agents can be used to improve performance in hard water. A simple jar test as described in Mycogen's technical bulletin "Hard Water Testing" can help determine whether or not a compatibility (or conditioning) agent is needed.

Phytotoxicity: The application of DeMoss to turf grass may cause temporary yellowing and tip burn, especially if environmental conditions such as high temperatures and humidity promote stress to turf. Experience has shown that phytoxicity is localized to exposed turf surfaces and that healthy turf will grow out and can be mowed off in a period of 3-5 days, depending on the turf's rate of growth. DeMoss has no residual activity and regrowth of turf will not be affected following applications of DeMoss. The application of a turf dye can be made with DeMoss sprays, or applied subsequently, to minimize visual affects if environmental conditions promote yellowing.

Reseeding: DeMoss lacks preemergent activity. Treated areas can be reseeded when spray applications have dried. Best results will be achieved if treated moss is allowed to fully desiccate and is raked out. Properly prepared the area for seeding following moss removal.

Restrictions and Limitations

Certain plant species are sensitive to applications of DeMoss. Avoid spraying uninfested grass or adjacent vegetation.

Treated surfaces may become temporarily slippery. Restrict traffic until sprays have dried.

Do not apply DeMoss when air temperatures exceed 85°F.

Tank mix combinations with various foliar nutrients, pesticides containing metallic ions (such as zinc, iron, etc.) or chlorothalanil may be physically incompatible and ultimately phytotoxic.

DeMoss may leave a temporary white residue on newly installed brick or other surfaces with a high lime or calcium content.

This bulletin contains new or supplemental instructions for the use of this product which may not appear on the package label. Mycogen provides this use information in accordance with Section 2(ee) of FIFRA.

Always read and carefully follow product labels.

DeMoss is a trademark of Mycogen Corporation. EPA Reg. No. 53219-4 MYX JJ# 2141 6/93