Tolerance of blue grama to herbicides used during establishment of low‐input residential lawns

Blue grama [ Bouteloua gracilis (Wild. Ex Kunth) Lag. Ex Griffiths] is a low‐input residential lawn alternative that is native to North America. However, previous research indicates that weed competition can be a detriment to successful establishment. Therefore, our objective was to evaluate the growth attributes during germination and seedling development of blue grama in response to five herbicides at establishment. An in vitro study was conducted at different osmotic potentials to determine the impact of soil moisture on seed germination and root and shoot development following exposure to herbicides. In a greenhouse study, halosulfuron, imazapic, mesotrione, and metsulfuron were applied to 0‐ to 12‐day‐old seedlings. Plant response to herbicides was quantified by leaf height, leaf count, tiller count, visually estimated injury, root weight, shoot weight, and root/shoot ratio. Halosulfuron, metsulfuron, and imazapic were generally safe on blue grama seedlings, while mesotrione caused unacceptable injury, regardless of seedling age. Additionally, herbicides applied immediately after planting did not have a significant effect on seedling germination. Results from these studies provide viable herbicide options to aid in blue grama establishment as a residential lawn grass.