Compositions and methods for controlling weeds in turfgrass

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for controlling weeds in susceptible turfgrass without causing significant injury to the turfgrass comprising applying to the turfgrass a herbicidally effective amount of trifloxysulfuron, or a salt or hydrate thereof, and a safener effective amount of metcamifen.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to compositions and methods for controlling weeds in turfgrass without causing significant damage to the turfgrass. In particular, the present invention relates to compositions and methods for controlling weeds in certain sensitive warm season turfgrasses without causing significant damage to the turfgrass using compositions comprising a herbicidally effective amount of trifloxysulfuron and a metcamifen safener. [Background technology]

[0002] The need to remove unwanted plants and other undesirable vegetation, such as noxious weeds and invasive plants, continues to be a recurring problem not only in agriculture, but also in landscaped and industrial areas. For example, selective removal of problematic weeds and invasive species from golf courses (greens, fairways, tees, and roughs), athletic fields, industrial turfgrass, and residential turfgrass is essential to maintain high quality, healthy turfgrass. Weeds can reduce turfgrass quality due to color and texture differences between turfgrass and weeds. In addition, weeds compete with turfgrass for available water and nutrients, usually resulting in a thinning of the desired turfgrass cover. Therefore, there is a need for novel methods to control weeds in turfgrass and provide high quality, healthy turfgrass.

[0003] Trifloxysulfuron (N-[[(4,6-dimethoxy-2-pyrimidinyl)amino]carbonyl]-3-(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)-2-pyridinesulfonamide) (CAS RN: 145099-21-4; EP 540697) is an acetolactate synthase (ALS) inhibitor ALS herbicide useful for controlling certain broadleaf, sedge and grass weeds in turfgrass. However, trifloxysulfuron is phytotoxic to certain susceptible turfgrasses. Trifloxysulfuron phytotoxicity is particularly severe when applied to control weeds in certain warm-season turfgrasses. 290332-10-4

[0004] Metocamifen (2-methoxy-N-[[4-[[(methylamino)carbonyl]amino]phenyl]sulfonyl]benzamide) (CAS RN: 129531-12-0; U.S. Pat. No. 5,215,570) is a safener compound useful for protecting cultivated plants from the damaging effects of various selective herbicides. Certain crystalline polymorphic forms of the safener metcamifen are also known, including Form 1, Form 2 and Form 3 (WO 2013 / 117691).

[0005] Hephner et al., "Sequential Postemergence Applications for the Control of Khakiweed in Bermudagrass Turf," HortScience horts, 47(3), 434-436 (2012) describe the treatment of bermudagrass to control khakiweed with trifloxysulfuron or metsulfuron in the presence or absence of carfentrazone. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] There remains a need for improved trifloxysulfuron weed control compositions and methods in certain ALS-susceptible turfgrasses that reduce the phytotoxicity of trifloxysulfuron to such turfgrasses. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] Surprisingly, it has now been found that the phytotoxic effects of trifloxysulfuron can be further reduced when applied in combination with metcamifen for selective control of unwanted weeds in the presence of sensitive or susceptible turfgrass without loss of herbicidal effect. In particular, it has been found that the phytotoxic effects of trifloxysulfuron, or a salt or hydrate thereof, can be further reduced when applied in combination with metcamifen for selective control of weeds in certain susceptible warm-season turfgrass (especially St. Augustine grass and Kikuyu grass) and without loss of herbicidal effect against such weeds.

[0008] In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a method for controlling weeds in susceptible turfgrass without causing significant injury to the turfgrass, comprising applying to the turfgrass a herbicidally effective amount of trifloxysulfuron, or a salt or hydrate thereof, and a safener effective amount of metcamifen.

[0009] In particular, the present invention involves selective control of unwanted weeds in a turfgrass locus in the presence of susceptible warm season (C4) turfgrass without causing significant injury to the turfgrass comprising applying to the turfgrass locus a herbicidally effective amount of trifloxysulfuron, or a salt or hydrate thereof, and a safener effective amount of metcamifen.

[0010] More specifically, the present invention provides a method for selectively controlling unwanted weeds in a turfgrass habitat without causing significant damage to, and preferably without antagonizing the herbicidal effect of, ALS-susceptible warm-season (C4) turfgrass, without causing significant damage to, and preferably without antagonizing the herbicidal effect of, the turfgrass habitat comprising applying to the turfgrass habitat a herbicidally effective amount of trifloxysulfuron, or a salt or hydrate thereof, and a safener effective amount of metcamifen.

[0011] The method of the present invention is particularly suitable for selectively controlling unwanted weeds in the presence of warm season (C4) turfgrass selected from St. Augustine grass and kikuyu grass in a turfgrass habitat without causing significant damage to, and preferably without antagonizing the herbicidal effect of, St. Augustine grass or kikuyu grass, comprising applying to the turfgrass habitat a composition comprising a herbicidally effective amount of trifloxysulfuron, or a salt or hydrate thereof, and a safener effective amount of metcamifen.

[0012] The present invention also provides a safener herbicide composition for use on turfgrass susceptible to injury by ALS herbicides, such as turfgrass selected from St. Augustine grass and kikuyu grass, comprising a) a herbicidally effective amount of trifloxysulfuron, or a salt or hydrate thereof, and b) an effective toxicity-safener amount of metcamifen, wherein the safener herbicide composition is capable of mitigating the toxicity of trifloxysulfuron, or a salt or hydrate thereof, to the turfgrass.

[0013] The present invention further provides a method for reducing phytotoxicity to warm season (C4) turfgrass, such as St. Augustine grass or kikuyu grass, due to the application of an ALS herbicide compound, such as trifloxysulfuron, or a salt or hydrate thereof, alone or in mixture with one or more co-herbicide compounds, comprising applying to a turfgrass habitat a herbicidally effective amount of an herbicide selected from an ACCase herbicide, a pyridine herbicide, and, optionally, trifloxysulfuron; and a safener effective amount of metcamifen.

[0014] The present invention further provides a method for conversion in a turfgrass habitat of established turfgrass selected from bermudagrass, seashore paspalum, creeping bentgrass, tall fescue, and Kentucky bluegrass, comprising spreading sprigs of turfgrass selected from zoysiagrass, St. Augustine grass, and kikuyu grass at 100 to 200 cubic meters per hectare over established turfgrass in the turfgrass habitat; applying to the turfgrass habitat a herbicidally effective amount of a herbicide selected from an ACCase herbicide, a pyridine herbicide, and, optionally, trifloxysulfuron; and an effective amount of metcamifen as a safener. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0015] Embodiments according to the method of the present invention are provided as shown below.

[0016] In one embodiment, trifloxysulfuron (N-[[(4,6-dimethoxy-2-pyrimidinyl)amino]carbonyl]-3-(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)-2-pyridine sulfonamide) is applied to the turfgrass.

[0017] In another embodiment, trifloxysulfuron can be applied or formulated as a salt, such as the sodium salt (CAS RN: 199119-58-9), as a hydrate, or both (e.g., trifloxysulfuron-Na B-hydrate (CAS RN: 290332-10-4). Unless specifically stated otherwise, references herein to trifloxysulfuron are understood to mean trifloxysulfuron, a salt or a hydrate thereof.

[0018] In one embodiment, a herbicidally effective amount of trifloxysulfuron is applied to the turfgrass at a rate of 5 to 56 g ai / ha; more particularly at a rate of 18 to 28 g ai / ha.

[0019] In one embodiment, metcamifen as (2-methoxy-N-[[4-[[(methylamino)carbonyl]amino]phenyl]sulfonyl]benzamide) is used as a safener in the compositions or methods of the invention.

[0020] In another embodiment, metcamifene may be applied or formulated as a crystalline polymorph designated Form 1 as described in WO 2013 / 117691, characterized, for example, by a powder X-ray diffraction pattern expressed in terms of 2θ angles, wherein the powder X-ray diffraction pattern comprises at least three, at least four, at least five, at least six, at least seven, or all 2θ angle values ​​(in degrees) selected from the group comprising: 7.4±0.2, 9.3±0.2, 11.7±0.2, 12.0±0.2, 14.3±0.2, 15.1±0.2, 17.4±0.2, and 19.0±0.2. Form 1 has a melting point of 198°C±5°C. This melting point is obtained using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) at a heating rate of 10°C / min.

[0021] In another embodiment, metcamifene may be applied or formulated as a crystalline polymorph designated Form 2 as described in WO 2013 / 117691, characterized by an X-ray powder diffraction pattern expressed in terms of 2θ angles, wherein the X-ray powder diffraction pattern includes at least one 2θ angle value at 9.0±0.2; and one 2θ angle value at 21.7±0.2; and at least three, at least four, at least five, at least six, or all 2θ angle values ​​selected from the group including 7.7±0.2, 11.9±0.2, 13.4±0.2, 15.0±0.2, 15.6±0.2, 16.1±0.2, and 18.0±0.2. Form 2 has a melting point of 216°C±5°C. This melting point is obtained using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) at a heating rate of 10°C / min.

[0022] In another embodiment, metcamifene may be applied or formulated as a crystalline polymorph designated Form 3 as described in WO 2013 / 117691, which is characterized by an X-ray powder diffraction pattern expressed in terms of 2-theta angles, wherein the X-ray powder diffraction pattern comprises one 2-theta angle value at 16.9±0.2; and one 2-theta angle value at 18.9±0.2; and at least three, at least four, at least five, at least six, at least seven, at least eight, at least nine, at least ten or all 2-theta angle values ​​selected from the group comprising: 7.5±0.2, 12.3±0.2, 13.4±0.2, 14.4±0.2, 14.9±0.2, 15.8±0.2, 18.3±0.2, 20.9±0.2, 21.9±0.2, 22.6±0.2 and 23.8±0.2. Form 3 has a melting point of 202° C.±5° C. This melting point is obtained using Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) at a heating rate of 10° C. / min.

[0023] Unless specifically stated otherwise, references herein to metcamifene are understood to mean metcamifene as (2-methoxy-N-[[4-[[(methylamino)carbonyl]amino]phenyl]sulfonyl]benzamide) or a polymorph thereof (Form 1, Form 2, or Form 3).

[0024] In one embodiment, the effective amount of metcamifene as a safener is a mitigating or antidote effective amount. Preferably, the mitigating or antidote effective amount of metcamifene applied to turfgrass is at a rate of 5 to 300 g ai / ha; more particularly at a rate of 25 to 150 g ai / ha.

[0025] In one embodiment, in the method of the present invention, a herbicidally effective amount of trifloxysulfuron, or a salt or hydrate thereof, and a safener effective amount of metcamifen are applied to the turf habitat simultaneously or sequentially. In a preferred embodiment, trifloxysulfuron, or a salt or hydrate thereof, and metcamifen are applied to the turf habitat simultaneously; preferably, a safener herbicide composition of the present invention.

[0026] Preferably, in the method of the present invention, trifloxysulfuron, or a salt or hydrate thereof, and metcamifen are applied to the turf habitat simultaneously or sequentially by a postemergence foliar treatment; more preferably, a postemergence aqueous spray foliar treatment. More preferably, trifloxysulfuron, or a salt or hydrate thereof, and metcamifen are applied to the turf habitat simultaneously by a postemergence foliar treatment with an aqueous spray composition.

[0027] In one embodiment, trifloxysulfuron, or a salt or hydrate thereof, and metcamifen are applied to the grass habitat in an aqueous spray composition. In another embodiment, the water content of the aqueous spray composition applied to the grass habitat is 100-300 l / ha; preferably, the water content of the aqueous spray composition applied to the grass habitat is 150-200 l / ha.

[0028] In one embodiment, one to three post sequential foliar applications of trifloxysulfuron, or a salt or hydrate thereof, and metcamifen are applied to the turfgrass habitat on a 7 to 42 day application schedule or interval: preferably, at 14 to 21 day intervals.

[0029] In one embodiment, in the method of the present invention, a herbicidally effective amount of trifloxysulfuron, or a salt or hydrate thereof, and a toxicity-modifying amount of metcamifen (i.e., a safener-effective amount of metcamifen) are applied to a turfgrass habitat that contains unwanted broadleaf, sedge, or grass weeds to be controlled and the desired ALS (trifloxysulfuron)-susceptible warm-season (C4) turfgrass species (e.g., St. Augustine grass and kikuyu grass, etc.). For example, the term "turfgrass habitat" refers to a location where both broadleaf or grass weeds and the desired ALS (trifloxysulfuron)-susceptible warm-season (C4) turfgrass species are emerged, growing, or established, such as golf courses (greens, fairways, tees, and roughs), athletic fields, industrial turfgrasses, residential turfgrasses, amenity turfgrasses or grounds, lawns or turfgrasses around airports; cemeteries; commercial facilities and rights-of-way; churches; military and other facilities; multi-family dwellings; parks; picnic areas; roadsides; schools; farms, etc. In the context of the present invention, turfgrass habitats may further include other types of plants, weeds or vegetation, however, the present invention relates to methods for controlling unwanted weeds (broadleaf, sedge or grass weeds) present in such habitats including emerged, growing and established vegetation.

[0030] The term "susceptible" refers to turfgrass species that are sensitive or may be damaged by application of the ALS herbicide (trifloxysulfuron) in the absence of metcamifen. For example, damage, especially severe or excessive damage, means an unacceptable level of phytotoxicity, bleaching or stunting of the turfgrass, and / or an unacceptable reduction in turfgrass color and quality. Turfgrass color and quality is an industry standard rating based on a scale of 1 to 9, with 9 indicating a deep green color and the best quality of the turfgrass. Turfgrass quality ratings are based on several factors, such as stunting, uniformity, and density of the turf stand. Turfgrass quality of 6 or less is considered unacceptable.

[0031] Thus, a method for reducing phytotoxicity to warm season (C4) turfgrass, such as St. Augustine grass or kikuyu grass, caused by application of an ALS herbicide compound, such as trifloxysulfuron, or a salt or hydrate thereof, alone or in combination with one or more co-herbicide compounds, comprises applying an antidote-effective amount of metcamifen to the locus of the turfgrass.

[0032] Advantageously, in the practice of the invention, a herbicidal combination comprising trifloxysulfuron, or a salt or hydrate thereof, and a safener, where the safener is metcamifen, is applied to selectively control weeds in turfgrass without antagonizing the herbicidal effect. Preferably, the combination comprises a herbicidally effective amount of trifloxysulfuron, or a salt or hydrate thereof, and a mitigating amount of metcamifen. The turfgrass is an ALS (trifloxysulfuron) sensitive warm season (C4) turfgrass species, such as St. Augustine grass or kikuyu grass. The method for selective weed control in such turfgrass is carried out with reduced phytotoxicity / herbicide injury to otherwise sensitive turfgrass and without reducing or antagonizing the herbicidal activity of trifloxysulfuron on unwanted target weeds. The weeds to be controlled are unwanted broadleaf, sedge or grass weeds or also unwanted established turfgrasses growing in the turfgrass habitat (such as perennial ryegrass, bermudagrass, seashore paspalum, creeping bentgrass, tall fescue, and Kentucky bluegrass).

[0033] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a method for selectively controlling unwanted broadleaf, sedge or grass weeds in the presence of ALS (trifloxysulfuron)-susceptible warm-season (C4) turfgrass species (such as St. Augustine grass and kikuyu grass) in a turfgrass habitat comprises applying to the turfgrass habitat a broadleaf, sedge or grass weed-controlling amount of an aqueous spray composition comprising a herbicidally effective amount of trifloxysulfuron, or a salt or hydrate thereof, and a safener effective amount (safener amount) of metcamifen; wherein trifloxysulfuron is applied to the turfgrass habitat at a rate of 5-56 g ai / ha; more particularly at a rate of 18-28 g ai / ha. Metcamifen is applied to the turfgrass habitat at a rate of 5-300 g ai / ha; more particularly at a rate of 25-150 g ai / ha.

[0034] Suitable weight ratios of trifloxysulfuron compounds and metcamifen compounds are found, for example, by the application rates mentioned above for the individual compounds. In one embodiment, the mixing ratio of trifloxysulfuron (T) compounds and metcamifen (M) compounds according to the invention in the method of the invention is, for example, 5-56 g (T) to 5-300 g (M); in particular 18-28 g (T) to 25-150 g (M). As mentioned, other ratios will be clear to the skilled person for any given scenario or based on the application rates mentioned above and the herbicide concentrations in suitable commercial formulations used to prepare the aqueous spray formulations used in the method of the invention. In one embodiment, the weight ratio (w / w) of trifloxysulfuron to metcamifen used in the solid or aqueous spray compositions (including tank mix compositions) used in the implementation of the method of the invention is 1:1 to 1:4; in particular 1:2 to 1:3.

[0035] According to the method of the present invention, an aqueous spray composition containing a herbicidally effective amount of trifloxysulfuron, or a salt or hydrate thereof, and an effective amount of a metcamifen safener can produce a control or correction effect on the growth of broadleaf, sedge, or grass weeds growing in the presence of ALS (trifloxysulfuron)-sensitive warm-season (C4) turfgrass species (such as St. Augustine grass and kikuyu grass) in a turfgrass habitat. A control or correction effect includes any deviation from natural growth, such as: killing, retardation, defoliation, chlorosis, dwarfing, prevention of germination, etc. For example, broadleaf, sedge, or grass weeds that are not killed are often stunted and non-competitive with flowering prevented. The term "plant" refers to all physical parts of a plant, such as seeds, seedlings, saplings, roots, tubers, stems, stalks, leaves, and fruits.

[0036] In one embodiment, an aqueous application composition is used in the method of the present invention that can be prepared in the field by the end user immediately prior to foliar application to unwanted broadleaf, sedge or grass weeds growing in the presence of ALS (trifloxysulfuron)-susceptible warm-season (C4) turfgrass species to be managed or controlled by mixing water, a trifloxysulfuron-containing composition with a composition containing metcamifen and, optionally, suitable surfactants or adjuvants (such as, for example, methylated seed oil, etc.). Such compositions are typically referred to as "tank-mix" compositions. Suitable tank-mix compositions can be prepared from mixing commercially available compositions of the active ingredients. Suitable commercially available trifloxysulfuron formulations include Monument® 75WG (Syngenta).

[0037] Alternatively, the compositions used in the methods of the present invention can be provided to the end user already formulated to the desired dilution for application ("ready to use" compositions), or can be supplied in a pre-built concentrate form that requires dilution, dispersion or dissolution with water by the end user ("concentrate" compositions). Ready to use forms are particularly suited to the consumer market. Concentrate formulations can be used in consumer and professional markets alike. Such pre-formulated concentrates can be liquids or particulate solids.

[0038] In another embodiment, the method of the invention is practiced by application of a dry solid granular herbicide composition comprising an effective amount of metcamifen safener and a herbicidally effective amount of trifloxysulfuron in admixture with an agriculturally acceptable adjuvant or carrier.

[0039] The compositions useful in the method of the present invention are generally formulated in various ways using formulation aids such as carriers, solvents and surfactants. The concentrate compositions can be in various physical forms, such as dusts, gels, wettable powders (powder), water dispersible granules, water dispersible tablets, effervescent pellets, emulsifiable concentrates, microemulsifiable concentrates, aqueous emulsions, oil flowables, aqueous suspensions, oil suspensions, suspoemulsions, capsule suspensions, emulsifiable granules, soluble liquids, water-soluble concentrates (containing water or water-miscible organic solvents as carriers), impregnated polymer films or other forms known, for example, from the Manual on Development and Use of FAO and WHO Specifications for Pesticides, United Nations, First Edition, Second Revision (2010). As mentioned above, such compositions can be used either directly, such as by dry solid granules, or by dilution with water before use by tank mix, such as by water dispersible granules. Dilution can be with, for example, water, liquid fertilizers, micronutrients, biological organisms, oils or solvents.

[0040] In one embodiment there is provided a combination of trifloxysulfuron and metcamifen, wherein the weight ratio (w / w) of trifloxysulfuron to metcamifen in the composition is from 1:2 to 1:4; in particular from 1:2 to 1:3. In one embodiment the composition is a water dispersible granule (WG).

[0041] The aqueous spray composition can be prepared by mixing trifloxysulfuron and metcamifen (the "active ingredient") together with formulation auxiliaries to obtain a composition in the form of a finely divided solid, granules, solution, dispersion, emulsion, microemulsion or suspoemulsion. The active ingredient can also be formulated with other auxiliaries such as finely divided solids, mineral oils, oils of vegetable or animal origin, modified oils of vegetable or animal origin, organic solvents, water, surfactants or combinations thereof.

[0042] The active ingredient can also be contained in fine microcapsules. Microcapsules contain the active ingredient in a porous carrier. This allows the active ingredient to be released into the environment in controlled amounts (e.g., sustained release). Microcapsules usually have a diameter of 0.1 to 500 microns. The microcapsules contain the active ingredient in an amount of about 25 to 95% by weight of the capsule weight. The active ingredient can be in the form of a monolithic solid, in the form of fine particles in a solid or liquid dispersion, or in the form of a suitable solution. The encapsulating membrane can include, for example, natural or synthetic rubber, cellulose, styrene / butadiene copolymer, polyacrylonitrile, polyacrylate, polyester, polyamide, polyurea, polyurethane or chemically modified polymers and starch xanthate or other polymers known to those skilled in the art. Alternatively, fine microcapsules can be formed in which the active ingredient is contained in the form of finely divided particles in a solid matrix of the substrate, but the microcapsules themselves are not encapsulated.

[0043] Formulation auxiliaries suitable for the preparation of the aqueous spray composition used in the method of the present invention are known per se. Liquid carriers include water, toluene, xylene, petroleum ether, vegetable oils, acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, cyclohexanone, acid anhydrides, acetonitrile, acetophenone, amyl acetate, 2-butanone, butylene carbonate, chlorobenzene, cyclohexane, cyclohexanol, alkyl esters of acetic acid, diacetone alcohol, 1,2-dichloropropane, diethanolamine, p-diethylbenzene, diethylene glycol, diethylene glycol abietate, diethylene glycol butyl ether, diethylene glycol ethyl ether, diethylene glycol methyl ether, N,N-dimethylformamide, dimethyl sulfoxide, 1,4-dioxane, dipropylene glycol, dipropylene glycol methyl ether, dipropylene glycol dibenzoate, diproxitol, alkyl pyrrolidone, ethyl acetate, 2-ethylhexanol, ethylene carbonate, 1,1,1-Trichloroethane, 2-Heptanone, alpha-pinene, d-limonene, ethyl lactate, ethylene glycol, ethylene glycol butyl ether, ethylene glycol methyl ether, gamma-butyrolactone, glycerol, glycerol acetate, glycerol diacetate, glycerol triacetate, hexadecane, hexylene glycol, isoamyl acetate, isobornyl acetate, isooctane, isophorone, isopropylbenzene, isopropyl myristate, lactic acid, laurylamine, mesityl oxide, methoxypropanol, methyl isoamyl ketone, methyl isobutyl ketone, methyl laurate, methyl octanoate, methyl oleate, methylene chloride, m-xylene, n-hexane, n-octylamine, octadecanoic acid, octylamine acetate, oleic acid, Oleylamine, o-xylene, phenol, polyethylene glycol, propionic acid, propyl lactate, propylene carbonate, propylene glycol, propylene glycol methyl ether, p-xylene, toluene, triethyl phosphate, triethylene glycol, xylene sulfonic acid, paraffin, mineral oil, trichloroethylene, perchloroethylene, ethyl acetate, amyl acetate, butyl acetate, propylene glycol methyl ether, diethylene glycol methyl ether, methanol, ethanol, isopropanol and higher alcohols such as amyl alcohol, tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol, hexanol, octanol, ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, glycerol, N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, etc. may be used.

[0044] Suitable solid carriers are, for example, talc, titanium dioxide, pyrophyllite clay, silica, aluminum silicate, attapulgite clay, diatomaceous earth, ammonium chloride-formaldehyde urea copolymer, polymethylurea resin, limestone, calcium carbonate, bentonite, calcium montmorillonite, cottonseed hulls, wheat flour, soy flour, pumice, wood flour, ground walnut shells, lignin and similar substances, or mixtures thereof.

[0045] Numerous surface-active substances, such as dispersants and wetting agents, can be advantageously used in both solid and liquid formulations, especially those which can be diluted with a carrier in their formulations before use. Surface-active substances may be anionic, cationic, nonionic or polymeric, and they can be used as emulsifiers, wetting agents, dispersants or suspending agents or for other purposes. Typical surface-active substances include, for example, salts of alkyl sulfates, such as diethanolammonium lauryl sulfate; salts of alkylaryl sulfonates, such as calcium dodecylbenzene sulfonate; alkylphenol / alkylene oxide adducts, such as sodium lignosulfonate, nonylphenol ethoxylate; alcohol / alkylene oxide adducts, such as tridecyl alcohol ethoxylate; acrylate copolymers, acrylic / styrene copolymers, methacrylic copolymers, maleic anhydride diisobutylene copolymer sodium salt, furandione, polymer of trimethylpentene, sodium salt, and benzenesulfonic acid, dodecyl, salts of alkyl naphthalene sulfonates, such as sodium dibutyl naphthalene sulfonate; dialkyl ester salts of sulfosuccinic acid, such as sodium di(2-ethylhexyl) sulfosuccinate; sorbitol esters, such as sorbitol oleate; quaternary amines, such as lauryl trimethyl ammonium chloride, polyethylene glycol esters of fatty acids, such as polyethylene glycol stearate; block copolymers of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide; and salts of mono- and di-alkyl phosphate esters; and also further materials described, for example, in McCutcheon's Detergents and Emulsifiers Annual, MC Publishing Corp., Ridgewood New Jersey (1981).

[0046] Further auxiliaries which can be used in the agrochemical formulations include crystallization inhibitors, viscosity modifiers, suspending agents, dyes, antioxidants, defoamers, light absorbers, mixing aids, antifoaming agents, complexing agents, neutralizing or pH adjusting substances and buffers, corrosion inhibitors, fragrances, wetting agents, absorption enhancers, micronutrients, plasticizers, flow regulators, lubricants, dispersants, thickeners, antifreeze agents, fungicides and liquid and solid fertilizers.

[0047] The compositions useful in the method according to the invention may contain additives including oils of vegetable or animal origin, mineral oils, alkyl esters of such oils or mixtures of such oils and oil derivatives. The amount of oil additive in the composition according to the invention is generally 0.01-10% based on the mixture to be applied. For example, the oil additive can be added to the spray tank in the desired concentration after the spray mixture is prepared. Preferred oil additives include mineral oils or oils of vegetable origin (e.g. rapeseed oil, olive oil or sunflower oil), emulsified vegetable oils, alkyl esters of oils of vegetable origin (e.g. methyl derivatives) or oils of animal origin (e.g. fish oil or beef tallow, etc.). Preferred oil additives are C 8 ~C 22 Alkyl esters of fatty acids, especially C 12 ~C 18 Methyl derivatives of fatty acids, such as the methyl esters of lauric acid, palmitic acid, and oleic acid (methyl laurate, methyl palmitate, and methyl oleate, respectively). Compendium of Herbicide Adjuvants, 10 th A large number of oil derivatives are known from the Journal of Chemical Industry, Vol. 13, No. 1, 2010, Issue 1, Springer-Verlag, 2010.

[0048] The compositions useful in the method of the present invention generally contain 0.1-99% by weight, more particularly 10-95% by weight, especially 50-75% by weight of active ingredient and 0-25% by weight, preferably 5-15% by weight, of formulation adjuvants, preferably 1-99.9% by weight, including one or more surface-active substances such as alkylarylsulfonate, alkylnaphthalenesulfonate salts and / or copolymer surfactants. Commercial products used for tank mixes may preferably be formulated as liquid or solid concentrates, but aqueous spray compositions applied by end users will normally use dilute formulations.

[0049] In one embodiment, a suitable composition comprises, with respect to the total weight of the herbicide composition: a) 10 to 25 weight percent trifloxysulfuron; preferably 18 to 22 weight percent trifloxysulfuron; b) 25 to 65 weight percent metcamifene; preferably 30 to 60 weight percent metcamifene; c) 5 to 15 weight percent of one or more surfactants; preferably 10 to 15 weight percent of one or more surfactants; d) 0 to 1 weight percent of an antifoaming agent; and e) 5 to 30 percent by weight of one or more inert solid carriers; preferably 5 to 15 percent by weight of one or more inert solid carriers A granular hydrate comprising:

[0050] In one embodiment, the aqueous application composition used in the method is applied as a post-emergence aqueous application, such as a post-emergence aqueous foliar application, which is accomplished in a customary manner (watering, spraying, spraying). In the context of the present invention, the term "post-emergence" is taken to mean that the application product is applied as soon as the target broadleaf, sedge or grass weeds emerge from the turfgrass habitat containing the ALS (trifloxysulfuron) sensitive warm-season (C4) turfgrass species. In another embodiment, the emerged target broadleaf, sedge or grass weeds will include growing plants and established plants. The trifloxysulfuron and metcamifen compounds may be applied to the turfgrass habitat simultaneously or sequentially (in any order) to the turfgrass habitat. In this case, the components are typically applied within 3 days of each other, most preferably within 24 hours. Suitably, the components are all administered within a time scale of a few hours, such as 1 hour. Alternatively and preferably, the individual components are applied simultaneously by aqueous spray application in a single aqueous herbicide spray composition to the turfgrass habitat. The aqueous spray composition can be prepared by diluting or dispersing a liquid or solid concentrate in water. When the components are applied simultaneously, they can be applied separately, or as a tank mix, or as a preformulated mixture of all the components, or as a preformulated mixture of some components and then tank mixed with the remaining components at a later stage.

[0051] In a preferred embodiment, a method for controlling unwanted broadleaf, sedge or grass weeds in a turfgrass habitat comprises applying a broadleaf, sedge or grass weed-controlling amount of an aqueous spray composition to the foliar surface of unwanted broadleaf, sedge or grass weeds that have germinated, grown or established in the turfgrass habitat in the presence of an ALS (trifloxysulfuron)-susceptible warm-season (C4) turfgrass species (preferably St. Augustine grass or kikuyu grass). The method of the present invention is also useful for spot treatment of broadleaf, sedge or grass weeds growing in the turfgrass habitat or for clearing all broadleaf, sedge or grass weeds from the turfgrass habitat.

[0052] In one embodiment, for a particular turfgrass habitat, the methods of the present invention can be practiced with an application schedule of 7 to 42 days; preferably, an application program including 1 to 3 post-sequential application applications spaced 14 to 21 days apart.

[0053] If necessary, the present invention includes the use of mixtures of two or more herbicides, for example to enhance the spectrum of weed control. For example, mesotrione, sulcotrione, benzobicyclon, tembotrione and topramezone (HPPD herbicide chemistry, Triketone). Others include isoxazole herbicide chemistry-isoxaflutole and isoxachlorthole, and pyrazole herbicide chemistry-benzofenap, pyrazolinate and pyrazoxyfen. Trifloxysulfuron (sulfonylurea herbicide chemistry) Trifloxysulfuron is only one member of the herbicides that function as sulfonylurea herbicides. Other sulfonylurea herbicides include metsulfuron, chlorsulfuron, halosulfuron, furamsulfuron, rimsulfuron, sulfosulfuron and flazasulfuron, iodosulfuron. Examples of imidazolinone herbicide chemistry include imaziquine, imazapyr and imazapic. Examples of triazolopyrimide herbicide chemistry include cloransulam-methyl, florasulam, flumetsulam, penoxsulam. Examples of pyrimidinylbenzoate herbicide chemistry include bispyribac-Na. Examples of sulfonylaminocarbonyl-triazolinone herbicide chemistry include flucarbazone-Na, theincarbazone-methyl. Fluazifop-p-butyl (aryloxyphenoxy-propionate "FOPS" herbicide chemistry - fluazifop-p-butyl. Examples include clodinafop-propargyl, cyhalofop-butyl, diclofop-methyl, fenoxaprop-P-ethyl, haloxiop-R-methyl, propaquizafop, metamifop, and quizalofop-P-ethyl. Examples in the cyclohexanedione "DIMS" herbicide chemistry include alloxydim, butroxydim, clethodim, cycloxydim, profoxydim, sethoxydim, tepraloxydim, tralkoxydim.

[0054] For example, a mixture of two or more safeners, such as cloquintocet, cyprosulfamide and isoxadifen-ethyl, can be used in conjunction with metcamifen to increase selectivity (i.e., to provide reduced injury of the herbicide composition to a wider range of desirable turfgrass species).

[0055] In some cases, herbicidal active ingredients have been shown to be more effective in combination with plant growth regulators (PGRs) than when applied individually. The following PGR compounds and combinations with PGR chemistry groups are of interest: Plant growth regulators include azole PGR chemistry (e.g., uniconazole and paclobutrazol), cyclohexane carboxylates (e.g., trinexapac-ethyl and prohexadione-calcium), pyrimidinyl carbinols (e.g., flurprimidol and ancymidol), quaternary ammoniums (e.g., chlormequat-chloride and mepiquat-chloride), sulfonyl-aminophenyl-acetamides (e.g., meflumide), cycloalkenes (e.g., 1-methylcyclopropene), and hydrochlorides (e.g., aminoethoxyvinylglycine). Plant growth regulators such as trinexapac-ethyl are commonly used in turf to improve turf color, quality, reduce clipping, and improve rooting.

[0056] The methods of the present invention may be used against many unwanted grass, sedge and broadleaf weeds in turfgrass habitats. By way of example, unwanted grass, sedge and broadleaf weeds to be managed or controlled by the method of the present invention include, for example, Allium spp., Alternanthera spp., Aphanes spp., Cerastium spp., Dichondra spp., Diodia spp., Euphorbia spp., Geranium spp., Glechoma spp., Gnaphalium spp., Hydrocotyle spp., Hypochaeris spp., Indigofera spp., Kyllinga spp., and the like. spp., Lamium spp., Medicago spp., Mollugo spp., Oxalis spp., Ranunculus spp., Soliva spp., Stellaria spp., Taraxacum spp., Trifolium spp., Veronica spp., and Viola spp., among others.

[0057] The compositions and methods of the invention may also be used to control dicotyledons such as daisies (Bellis perennis) or burdock (Malva spp.) in St. Augustine grass and kikuyu grass in turfgrass habitats.

[0058] The present invention may also be used to control monocotyledonous weeds such as Bromus spp., Capsella spp., Celosia spp., Digitalia spp., Festuca spp., Hordeum spp., Lolium spp., Panicum spp., Paspalum spp., Poa spp., Poaceae spp. (both naturally sensitive and resistant (e.g. ALS resistant) biotypes of any of these grass weeds, as well as sedges such as Cyperus spp.).

[0059] More specifically, among the weeds that can be controlled by the compositions of the invention are: large crabgrass and northern crabgrass (Digitaria sanguinalis, Digitalia ischaemum), bahiagrass (suppressed) (Paspalum spp.), nutsedge (Cyperus spp.), broadleaf signalgrass (Urochloa platyphylla), grassgrass (suppressed) (Panicum repens), dallisgrass (suppressed) (Paspalum dilatatum), Japanese yew (Cyperus compressu), Japanese yew (Cyperus globulosus), and others. monocotyledonous weeds such as: Poa annua), oats (Bromus catharticus), cockscomb (Celosia argentea), ryegrass (Lolium perenne), shepherd's purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris), tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea), little barley (Hordeum pusillum), yellow nutedge (Cyperus esculentus), as well as dandelions (Taraxacum spp.; Taraxacum officinalis) and other monocotyledonous weeds such as: dandelion (Taraxacum spp.; Taraxacum officinalis) officinale), hops, white and red clover (Trifolium spp.), chickweed (Stellaria media), Lamium amplexicaule, persea gras (Veronica arvensis), wood sorrel (Oxalis spp.; Oxalis acetosella), dollarweed (Hydrocotyle umbellata), wild violets (Viola spp.), grain bean (Medicago lupulina), buttercup (Ranunculus sardous), wood pompom (Mollugo verticillata), oak (Glechoma hederacea), American bush violet (Diodia virginiana), field pansy (Viola arvensis), narrow-leaved cottongrass (Gnaphalium falcatum), car's ear dandelion (Hypochaeris radicata), green kyllinga (Kyllinga brevifolia), parsley (Aphanes arvensis), American geranium (Geranium carolinianum), bush clover (Trifolium arvense), Kyllinga (Kyllinga spp.), khakiweed (Alternanthera pungens), lawnboar weed (Soliva sessilis), snowdrop (Euphorbia maculata), creeping indigo (Indigofera spicata), Hydrocotyle sibthorpioides), wild garlic (Allium sativum) Dicotyledonous weeds such as moss (Dichondra spp.), and water hyacinth (Cerastium fontanum).

[0060] In some embodiments, unwanted established turfgrass growing in a turfgrass habitat, such as perennial ryegrass, bermudagrass, seashore paspalum, creeping bentgrass, tall fescue, and Kentucky bluegrass, can be removed from the turfgrass habitat in accordance with the present invention. Accordingly, the present invention also provides a method for selectively controlling unwanted established turfgrass in the presence of desired turfgrass selected from St. Augustine grass and kikuyu grass in a turfgrass habitat, comprising applying to the turfgrass habitat a composition comprising a herbicidally effective amount of trifloxysulfuron, or a salt or hydrate thereof, and a toxicity mitigating amount of metcamifen.

[0061] In one embodiment, the susceptible / sensitive C4 turfgrass species in the turfgrass habitat include, but are not limited to, bermudagrass (Cynodon LC Rich), zoysiagrass (Zoysia Willd.), St. Augustine grass (Stenotaphrum secundatum (Walt.) Kuntze), kikuyu grass (P. clandestinum), and buffalo grass (Buchloe dactyloides (Nutt.) Engelm). In one embodiment, the C4 turfgrass species are highly susceptible to ALS (trifloxysulfuron). In one embodiment, St. Augustine grass and kikuyu grass are preferred.

[0062] In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, unwanted established turfgrass selected from bermudagrass, seashore paspalum, creeping bentgrass, tall fescue, and Kentucky bluegrass (preferably bermudagrass) in a turfgrass habitat can be converted to a lawn selected from zoysiagrass, St. Augustinegrass, and kikuyugrass (preferably zoysiagrass) more quickly and economically than traditional methods by using oversprigging with a herbicide mixture containing trifloxysulfuron, ACCase, and, optionally, metcamifen with a pyridine herbicide. (In traditional methods, zoysiagrass can be established from sprigs, but requires a long-term herbicide program with a non-selective herbicide such as glyphosate to kill off the existing turfgrass before the sprigs are planted.)

[0063] According to an alternative embodiment, an established turfgrass area selected from bermudagrass, seashore paspalum, creeping bentgrass, tall fescue, and Kentucky bluegrass (preferably bermudagrass) can be converted to a turfgrass selected from zoysiagrass, St. Augustinegrass, and kikuyugrass (preferably zoysiagrass) by oversprigging with a herbicide mixture containing metcamifen together with trifloxysulfuron, ACCase, or a pyridine herbicide, i.e., without the need to kill the established turfgrass with glyphosate or other such herbicides. This alternative method also contemplates oversprigging with a herbicide mixture containing metcamifen together with ACCase or a pyridine herbicide.

[0064] In one embodiment of this oversprigging method, sprigs (cuttings containing one or more nodes) of turfgrass selected from zoysiagrass, St. Augustinegrass, and kikuyugrass (preferably zoysiagrass) are spread at 100-200 cubic meters per hectare (1200-2000 bushels per acre) directly over existing / established turfgrass (selected from bermudagrass, seashore paspalum, creeping bentgrass, tall fescue, and Kentucky bluegrass (preferably bermudagrass)) growing in the turfgrass habitat. The sprigs are then crumpled to ensure sprig-soil contact and sand or soil is placed over them to retain moisture.

[0065] Then, a herbicidally effective amount of a herbicide selected from an ACCase herbicide and a pyridine herbicide, and a safener effective amount of metcamifen are applied to the turfgrass habitat. Optionally, trifloxysulfuron can be applied to the existing oversprigged turfgrass together with an ACCase and / or a pyridine herbicide, together with metcamifen in a weight ratio as described herein; in one embodiment, such herbicide / metcamifen application is performed approximately one week after oversprigging, i.e., where a sprig of turfgrass selected from zoysiagrass, St. Augustine grass, and kikuyu grass (preferably zoysiagrass) is spread on top of the existing turfgrass (selected from bermudagrass, seashore paspalum, creeping bentgrass, tall fescue, and Kentucky bluegrass (preferably bermudagrass)).

[0066] In the practice of oversprigging embodiments, metcamifen may be applied at 5-300 g ai / ha, more particularly 25-150 g ai / ha (with or without trifloxysulfuron at the weight ratios and rates described herein). ACCase herbicides, such as fluazifop-p-butyl, may be applied at 70-560 g ai / ha, more particularly 105-560 g ai / ha. If present, pyridine herbicides, such as triclopyr, may be applied at 280-2240 g ai / ha.

[0067] In one embodiment, one to three post successive foliar applications of trifloxysulfuron, or a salt or hydrate thereof, and metcamifen are applied to the turfgrass habitat on a 7 to 42 day application schedule or interval; preferably 14 to 21 days apart. A composition comprising a herbicidally effective amount of trifloxysulfuron, or a salt or hydrate thereof, and a toxicity mitigating amount of metcamifen.

[0068] In one embodiment, an established turf area of ​​"Tifway" bermudagrass was oversprigged with "Zorro" zoysiagrass at 1600-2000 bushels per acre, followed by two applications, 5 weeks apart, of a composition containing trifloxysulfuron, metcamifen and fluazifop-p-butyl (and optionally triclopyr) at the rates mentioned above, resulting in 95% zoysiagrass coverage 10 weeks after sprigging. (A US bushel is approximately 35.3 liters or 0.0353 cubic meters.)

[0069] Various aspects and embodiments of the invention will now be described in more detail by way of example. It will be appreciated that modifications of detail may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. EXAMPLES

[0070] Example 1 In a study conducted on St. Augustine grass sub-variety 'Classic', trifloxysulfuron (TSS) (Monument 75 WDG) was applied at 28 g ai / ha with and without metcamifen applied at 30, 75, and 150 g ai / ha. Two applications were applied 30 days apart (first and second application). Trifloxysulfuron alone caused significant injury (80-90%). Metcamifen provided almost complete mitigation of trifloxysulfuron toxicity. Less than 5% injury was observed in all graded data.

[0071] [Table 1]

[0072] Example 2 In kikuyugrass trials, trifloxysulfuron (TSS) (Monument 75 WDG) was applied alone at 28 g ai / ha and compared to a mixture of TSS and metcamifen (MET). The TSS-MET mixture contained trifloxysulfuron and metcamifen in a ratio of 20 to 75 g. Both Monument and TSS-MET mixtures were applied at 28 g ai / ha of TSS. The two applications were applied 28 days apart. Trifloxysulfuron alone caused significant injury (40%). Metcamifen provided almost complete mitigation of trifloxysulfuron toxicity. Less than 10% injury was observed in all rated data.

[0073] [Table 2]

[0074] These data demonstrate how trifloxysulfuron toxicity mitigation is effective and novel with metcamifen for sensitive / sensitive C4 turfgrass species, particularly St. Augustine and kikuyugrass.

Claims

1. A method for selectively controlling weeds in ALS herbicide-sensitive turfgrass, comprising applying an effective amount of trifloxysulfuron, or a salt or hydrate thereof, and a toxicity-mitigating amount of metcamifene to the ALS herbicide-sensitive turfgrass.

2. The method according to claim 1, comprising applying an effective amount of trifloxysulfuron, or a salt or hydrate thereof, and a toxicity-mitigating amount of metcamifene to a turfgrass habitat, to selectively control unwanted weeds in the presence of ALS herbicide-sensitive warm-season (C4) turfgrass.

3. The method according to claim 1, comprising applying a composition comprising a herbicidal effective amount of trifloxysulfuron, or a salt or hydrate thereof, and a toxicity-mitigating amount of metcamifene to a turfgrass habitat, thereby selectively controlling unwanted weeds in the presence of warm-season grasses selected from St. Augustine grass and Chrysanthemum grass in the turfgrass habitat without antagonizing the herbicidal effect.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein trifloxysulfonone is applied to the turfgrass habitat at a dosage of 5 to 56 g ai / ha; more particularly at a dosage of 18 to 28 g ai / ha.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein metcamifen is applied to the turfgrass habitat as (2-methoxy-N-[[4-[[(methylamino)carbonyl]amino]phenyl]sulfonyl]benzamide).

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein metcamifen is administered or incorporated as a crystalline polymorph selected from the group consisting of a polymorph referred to as morph 1, a polymorph referred to as morph 2, and a polymorph referred to as morph 3.

7. The method according to claim 1, wherein metcamifen is applied to the turfgrass habitat at a dosage of 5 to 300 g ai / ha.

8. The method according to claim 1, wherein trifloxysulfuron and metcamifen are simultaneously applied to the turfgrass habitat.

9. The method according to claim 1, wherein trifloxysulfuron and metcamifen are applied to the turfgrass habitat by post-germination foliar treatment.

10. The method according to claim 1, wherein trifloxysulfuron and metcamifen are applied to the turfgrass habitat in an aqueous spray composition.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein the amount of aqueous spray applied to the aforementioned turf habitat is 100 to 300 l / ha.

12. The method according to claim 10, wherein trifloxysulfuron and metcamifen are applied to the turfgrass habitat in 1 to 3 post-sequential foliar applications with a spraying schedule of 7 to 42 days.

13. The method according to claim 1, wherein the susceptible turfgrass is a warm-season (C4) turfgrass species selected from Bermuda grass (Cynodon L.C. Rich), Zoysia grass (Zoysia Wild.), St. Augustine grass (Stenotaphrum secundatum (Walt.) Kuntze), Centipede grass (Eremochloa ophiuroides (Munro.) Hack.), Buffalo grass (Buffalo grass (Buchloe dactyloides) (Nutt.) Engelm.), and Seashore Paspalum (Paspalum virginatum)

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein the susceptible turfgrass is selected from St. Augustine grass and Chrysanthemum grass.

15. The aforementioned unwanted weeds include Allium sp., Alternanthera sp., Aphanes sp., Cerastium sp., Dichondra sp., Diodia sp., Euphorbia sp., Geranium sp., Glechoma sp., Gnaphalium sp., Hydrocotyle sp., Hypochaeris sp., and Indigofera. Dicotyledonous weeds such as *Oxalis*, *Kyllinga*, *Lamium*, *Medicago*, *Mollugo*, *Oxalis*, *Ranunculus*, *Soliva*, *Stellaria*, *Taraxacum*, *Trifolium*, *Veronica*, and *Viola*, as well as *Bromus* Monocotyledonous weeds such as Capsella sp., Celosia sp., Digitalia sp., Festuca sp., Hordeum sp., Lolium sp., Panicum sp., Paspalum sp., Poa sp., Poaceae sp. [Both are herbaceous weeds, as well as Cyperus sp.] [These are biotypes of any of the sedge genus, such as *Digitaria sanguinalis* and *Digitaria ishammum*, which are inherently sensitive and resistant (e.g., ALS-resistant), large clubgrass and northern crabgrass (Digitaria sanguinalis, *Digitaria ishammum*)(ischaemum), Bahia grass (suppression) (Paspalum spp.), Nutsedge (Cyperus spp.), Broadleaf signal grass (Urochloa platyphylla), Grass millet (suppression) (Panicum repens), Dallis grass (suppression) (Paspalum dilatatum), Sedge sedge (Cyperus compressu), Rice sedge (Cyperus globulosus), Annual bluegrass (Poa Monocotyledonous weeds such as annua, dog barley (Bromus catharticus), celosia (Celosia argentea), ryegrass (Lolium perenne), shepherd's purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris), broad-leaved bellflower (Festuca arundinacea), little barley (Hordeum pusillum), yellow nut edge (Cyperus esculentus), and dandelion (Taraxacum species) (spp.); common dandelion (Taraxacum officinale), hops, white clover and red clover (Trifolium spp.), chickweed (Stellaria media), henbit (Lamium amplexicaule), speedwell (Veronica arvensis), wood sorrel (Oxalis spp.; Oxalis acetosella), dolweed (Hydrocotyle umbellata), wild violet (Viola japonica) spp. ), Medicago lupulina, Ranunculus sardous, Mollugo(verticillata), Glechoma hederacea, Diodia virginiana (seedling), Field pansy (Viola arvensis), Gnaphalium falcata, Car's ear dandelion (Hypochaeris radicata), Green gillinga (Kylinga brevifolia), Parsley Pierre (Aphanes arvensis), American cranesbill (Geranium carolinianum) Carolinianum), Trifolium arvense, Kyllinga sp., Khaki weed (Alternanthera pungens), Lawn boo weed (Soliva sessilis), Euphorbia maculata, Creeping indigo (Indigofera spicata), Hydrocotyle sibthorpioides), Wild garlic (Allium The method according to claim 1, selected from dicotyledonous plant weeds such as ursinum), Dichondra sp., and Cerastium fontanum.

16. Spread turfgrass sprigs selected from Zoysia grass, St. Augustine grass, and Chrysanthemum grass at a rate of 100 to 200 cubic meters per hectare over established turfgrass in the turfgrass habitat; Applying an effective amount of herbicide selected from ACCase herbicide, pyridine herbicide, and optionally trifloxysulfuron, and an effective amount of metcamifene as a toxicity mitigator, to the turfgrass habitat. A method for converting established turfgrasses in a turfgrass habitat, including, selected from Bermuda grass, seashore paspalum, creeping bentgrass, broadleaf turfgrass, and Kentucky bluegrass.

17. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein a granular wettable powder composition containing trifloxysulfuron and metcamifen in a weight ratio (w / w) of trifloxysulfuron to metcamifen of 1:2 to 1:4 is used.

18. a) a herbicidal composition for use on turfgrass susceptible to damage by ALS herbicides, comprising: a) an effective amount of trifloxysulfuron, or a salt or hydrate thereof; and b) a toxicity-mitigating amount of metcamifene, wherein the herbicidal composition can mitigate the toxicity of trifloxysulfuron, or a salt or hydrate thereof, to the turfgrass.

19. The composition according to claim 18, comprising a granular wettable powder composition.

20. A method for reducing the phytotoxicity of warm-season (C4) turfgrass selected from St. Augustine grass and Chrysanthemum grass by applying an ALS herbicide compound such as trifloxysulfuron, or a salt or hydrate thereof, either alone or in mixture with one or more co-herbicide compounds, comprising applying an effective amount of metcamifene to the habitat of the turfgrass.