Muhly, Wire-Stemmed
(Muhlenbergia frondosa Poir.)

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Table of Contents

1. History
2. Life Cycle
3. Distinguishing Characteristics
4. Control in Corn
5. Control in Soybeans
6. Control in Winter Wheat

History

A native plant found mainly in southern and eastern Ontario in moist rich soils.

Life Cycle

Perennial reproducing by seed and by rhizomes.

Distinguishing Characteristics

Often confused with quackgrass at early vegetative stages, it is distinguished by its tangled mass of beige-purple and scaly rhizomes. Wire-stemmed muhly has a membranous ligule, but NO clasping auricles that are characteristic of quackgrass (Agropyron repens L.).

Wire-stemmed Muhly Pictures
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Herbicide Control in Field Corn

Excellent control of wire-stemmed muhly can be achieved with post-emergent applications of Option 35 DF, glyphosate in "Roundup Ready" corn, and Liberty in "Liberty-Link" corn.

Table 1. Wire-stemmed muhly control in corn using various post-emergent herbicides.

Active Ingredient	Trade Name	% Control
glyphosate	glyphosate (1 L/ac) - for use only in Roundup Ready Corn	99
glufosinate ammonium	LIBERTY - for use only in Liberty-Link Corn	98
formasulfuron	OPTION 35 DF	95
nicosulfuron/rimsulfuron	ULTIM	58
nicosulfuron	ACCENT	49

Source:

Dr. Peter Sikkema, University of Guelph.

Number of Trials:

Table 1 is based on a summary of 2 field trials in corn.

Herbicide Rates:

Rates used in this trial are listed in OMAF Publication 75 - Guide to Weed Control.

Weed Stage:

Wire-stemmed muhly was in between the 2-6 leaf stage at the time of application

What has been your experience?

We want your feedback. Let us know what you have experienced with these or other products, as well as any other effective management strategies.

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Herbicide Control in Soybeans

Effective control can be achieved in "Roundup-Ready" soybeans with an application of glyphosate. In conventional soybeans, VENTURE L will also provide good control of wire-stemmed muhly.

Table 1. Wire-stemmed muhly control in soybean using various post-emergent herbicides.

Active Ingredient	Trade Name	% Control
fluazifop-p-butyl	VENTURE L	89
glyphosate	glyphosate (1 L/ac) - for use only in Roundup Ready Soybean	88
quizalofp-p-ethyl	ASSURE II	77
clethodim	SELECT	65
sethoxydim	POAST ULTRA	64
fenoxaprop-p-ethyl	EXCEL SUPER	58

Source:

Dr. Peter Sikkema, University of Guelph.

Number of Trials:

Table 1 is based on a summary of 1 field trial in soybean.

Herbicide Rates:

Rates used in this trial are listed in OMAF Publication 75 - Guide to Weed Control.

Weed Stage:

Wire-stemmed muhly was between the 2-6 leaf stage at the time of application.

What has been your experience?

We want your feedback. Let us know what you have experienced with these or other products, as well as any other effective management strategies.

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Herbicide Control in Winter Wheat

No research trials have been conducted in winter wheat. It is generally not a prominent weed in winter cereals as effective control in soybeans will usual result in good control in the cereal crop. If wirestem muhly is problematic, a pre-harvest application of glyphosate may be beneficial for achieveing long-term control of this species.

What has been your experience?
We want your feedback. Let us know what you have experienced with these or other products, as well as any other effective management strategies.

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