Barnyardgrass (Echinochloa crus-galli): Identification & Selective Herbicide Matrix
Quick Agronomic Summary
Quinclorac (Drive XLR8) with MSO surfactant gives outstanding selective control in cool-season turf and Bermudagrass.
- Diagnostic Marker 1: Thick, robust stems often reddish-purple tinted at the base with no ligule (completely ligule-less)
- Diagnostic Marker 2: Broad, flat, smooth blades with a conspicuous white midrib
- Diagnostic Marker 3: Coarse, branched, purplish seedheads with short to long stiff awns
What kills Barnyardgrass in lawns?
Quinclorac (Drive XLR8) with MSO surfactant gives outstanding selective control in cool-season turf and Bermudagrass.
Fenoxaprop (Acclaim Extra) is also highly effective in tall fescue and Kentucky bluegrass.
When to treat Barnyardgrass?
Apply post-emergents early in summer when plants have 1 to 3 tillers.
Pre-emergent Prodiamine applied in spring stops seeds before emergence.
EPA-Registered Herbicides Labeled for Barnyardgrass
The table below compares all selective herbicides in our database that control Barnyardgrass, including active ingredient groups, application temperature limits (°F), and surfactant requirements.
| Brand Name & EPA Reg. | Active Ingredient & WSSA Group | Temp Window (°F) | Surfactant & Mixing Protocol | Where to Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drive XLR8 EPA Reg. 7969-272 |
Quinclorac 18.92% Group 4 (Synthetic Auxin / Quinoline Carboxylic Acid) |
60°F – 85°F Rainfast: 1h |
Requires Methylated Seed Oil (MSO) surfactant at 1.5 tbsp (0.75 fl oz) per gallon of water for effective cuticle penetration on multi-tiller crabgrass. | Check Price at DoMyOwn View on Amazon |
| Acclaim Extra EPA Reg. 432-950 |
Fenoxaprop-p-ethyl 6.59% Group 1 (ACCase Inhibitor) |
60°F – 85°F Rainfast: 1h |
Add Non-Ionic Surfactant (NIS) at 0.5 tsp per gallon only when targeting mature multi-tiller Goosegrass or Japanese Stiltgrass. Never tank-mix with 2,4-D (causes antagonism). | Check Price at DoMyOwn View on Amazon |
Turfgrass Compatibility Matrix for Barnyardgrass Herbicides
Always verify that your chosen herbicide is safe for your specific lawn grass before broadcast spraying:
How to Distinguish Barnyardgrass from Lookalike Weeds
| Lookalike Species | Key Botanical & Diagnostic Difference |
|---|---|
| Crabgrass | Crabgrass has a distinct membranous ligule; Barnyardgrass is the only common lawn grassy weed completely lacking a ligule. |