Johnsongrass in Peach Plantings
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Johnsongrass (Sorghum halepense) is an aggressive perennial common in agronomic fields, along roadways, and in waterways and areas that are prone to flooding. Mature leaf blades are 5 to 20 inches long with obvious white ribs down the center. Plants reproduce by seed and by perennial rhizomes, making control difficult. Rhizomes are stout compared to other grasses and can begin forming as quickly as 1 month after seed germination.
Johnsongrass in bloom.
(Photo: Ohio State Weed Laboratory, The Ohio State University, Bugwood.org)
Close-up of Johnsongrass.
(Photo: Chris Evans, University of Illinois, Bugwood.org)
Management:
- Apply pre-emergent herbicides to help prevent seedling establishment.
- Apply post-emergent herbicides selective for grasses when plants are seedlings; herbicides are less effective once rhizomes have formed.
- Avoid cultivation, which spreads plants.
