Bermudagrass (cynodon dactylon): a history of the weed and its control in Israel

Bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon) is a perennial grass, common and endemic in Israel. The expansion and intensification of agriculture which started in the region at the beginning of this century, induced severe infestation by bermudagrass, particularly in fruit orchards and irrigated fields. The characteristics of the weed are discussed. Methods for control of bermudagrass were developed gradually over the years by local farmers: from ‘bahar’ (manual removal of rhizomes from the soil) to deep plowing and serial cultivation. Since active herbicides became available in Israel (1960s) approximately 20 registered herbicides and mixtures have been used effectively against bermudagrass in most agricultural and industrial situations. Although herbicides are accepted at present for bermudagrass control by most farmers, it is important to re-assess alternative measures which were developed locally.