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Author ORCID Identifier

https://orcid.org/0009-0007-0077-3977

Date Available

2-24-2026

Year of Publication

2026

Document Type

Master's Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

College

Agriculture, Food and Environment

Department/School/Program

Plant and Soil Sciences

Faculty

Erin R. Haramoto

Faculty

Arthur Hunt

Abstract

Perennial groundcover (PGC) systems offer a cost-effective alternative to annual cover crops, by providing continuous soil cover, reducing soil erosion, and contributing to integrated weed management (IWM) in corn (Zea mays L.) production systems. Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.) has been proposed as a perennial groundcover for corn due to its low growth habit and seasonal dormancy; however, successful adoption is limited by challenges associated with establishment-phase weed competition and compatibility with weed management programs during corn production. The objectives of this research were to (1) evaluate weed management strategies that support Kentucky bluegrass establishment and (2) assess weed management compatibility with established Kentucky bluegrass during corn production. Two field experiments were conducted at the University of Kentucky. The first experiment evaluated establishment-phase strategies including pre-emergent herbicides, post-emergent herbicides, and a nurse crop. Kentucky bluegrass biomass, weed biomass, and Kentucky bluegrass groundcover development were assessed throughout the establishment-phase and then when this system was integrated with corn production. The second experiment examined weed management options during corn production, comparing commonly used pre-emergent herbicides with a post-emergent herbicide for their compatibility with an established Kentucky bluegrass perennial groundcover. Results from the establishment indicated that weed management strategy significantly influenced Kentucky bluegrass establishment, while interactions between pre-emergent and post-emergent applications were generally limited. Certain pre-emergent treatments such as s-metolachlor and the nurse crop treatment reduced early-season Kentucky bluegrass biomass, while other treatments like pendimethalin-tillering and mesotrione allowed successful establishment. During the corn production phase, herbicide programs varied in their compatibility with Kentucky bluegrass, highlighting the importance of selecting chemistries that balance weed control with Kentucky bluegrass persistence under variable environmental and planting conditions. Chemistries containing pyroxasulfone, including the premix containing mesotrione + clopyralid + pyroxasulfone, were more frequently associated with reduced Kentucky bluegrass groundcover and increased inactivity relative to other chemistries. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that Kentucky bluegrass establishment and persistence in corn are strongly influenced by weed management decisions across multiple production phases. This research provides foundation guidance for developing integrated weed management strategies that support perennial groundcover in corn production.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

https://doi.org/10.13023/etd.2026.13b

Archival?

Archival

Funding Information

This research is funded by Agriculture and Food Research Initiative Competitive Grant No. 2021-68012-35923 from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture. 

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