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Muhly, Wire-Stemmed
(Muhlenbergia frondosa Poir.)

Author: Mike Cowbrough - Weed Management (Field Crops) Program Lead/OMAF
Creation Date: 15 April 2005
Last Reviewed: 15 April 2005

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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
Each thumbnail image links to a larger image

Link to a larger photo of Wire-stemmed Muhly
Link to a larger photo of Wire-stemmed Muhly
Link to a larger photo of Wire-stemmed Muhly

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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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