WeedTurf: software for improving summer annual weeds control in turf

Summer annual grass species are problem weeds in turf. Understanding their emergence dynamics could be useful for timing herbicide treatments and maximizing their efficacy. With this aim, a prediction model was developed that can simulate the emergence of four summer annual grass weeds in turf (Digitaria sanguinalis, Setaria glauca, Setaria viridis and Eleusine indica). By using weather data and soil characteristics, the model provides the percentage of emergence reached by a certain weed species at any given time. This information can provide enhanced recommendations for programming application times of pre- and post-emergence herbicides. This paper presents the prototype of the software that implements the model. The software is designed to be intuitive and easy to use even by inexpert users, and is a modular and flexible system that can modify and extend model application to other species according to user requests.