Corteva Sapphire is a post-emergent, selective herbicide formulated for the control of annual and perennial broadleaf weeds in established turfgrass. It contains the active ingredient penoxsulam, which inhibits the acetolactate synthase (ALS) enzyme in susceptible plants. The product is classified as a reduced-risk pesticide by the EPA and has a "Caution" signal word.
Chemical Composition and Formulation
This product contains 3.68% penoxsulam as its active ingredient. It is formulated as an Emulsifiable Concentrate (EC). It carries EPA Registration Number 62719-547. The product has a shelf life of 3 years when stored properly.
Functional Mechanism
Sapphire operates as an ALS inhibitor, disrupting amino acid synthesis in target plants, which slows their growth rate and ultimately leads to plant death. This mechanism makes it effective for managing the spring transition of perennial ryegrass from warm-season turfgrasses by suppressing the ryegrass while allowing the underlying warm-season grass to green up. It is also effective against herbicide-resistant biotypes, including clover and English lawn daisy. Complete weed control typically occurs within 28 to 30 days after application.
Target Applications and Performance
This product controls a broad spectrum of weeds including clover, English lawn daisy, chickweed, dollarweed, dandelion, ground ivy, black medic, plantain (broadleaf and buckhorn), purslane, spurge, Virginia buttonweed, yellow and purple nutsedge, and barnyardgrass.
It is labeled for use on established cool-season turfgrasses including bentgrass, Kentucky bluegrass, chewing fescue, creeping red fescue, sheep fescue, tall fescue, and perennial ryegrass. It is also labeled for use on warm-season turfgrasses including bermudagrass, tall fescue, kikuyugrass, and zoysiagrass.
Application sites include residential lawns, golf courses, sports fields, sod farms, commercial turf areas, and non-cropland sites.
Application Specifications and Protocol
For general applications, mix 0.55 fluid ounces of Sapphire per 0.5 gallons of water per 1,000 square feet. One gallon of product will cover up to 4 acres. For ground broadcast or spot treatments, the application rate ranges from 0.25 to 1.5 pints per acre.
Apply in a spray volume of more than 20 gallons per acre (0.5 gallons or more per 1000 square feet). Use a higher application volume when complete and uniform coverage must be ensured, particularly when tank-mixing with foliar fertilizers. Apply using a handheld pump sprayer, backpack sprayer, or spray rig. Ensure even coverage of weeds but not to the point of runoff.
Best results are obtained when applied to small, actively growing weeds. Apply on days when rainfall is not expected for at least one hour after application. The product is rainfast within one hour.
Use Restrictions and Compatibility
Do not apply directly to, or permit contact with, flowers, ornamental shrubs, trees, or other desirable broadleaf plants, as serious injury may occur. Any cultural practices, cultivation, or disturbance of the soil surface after application may decrease weed control. Tank mixtures that sit overnight cannot be reused if they do not easily re-stir after agitation. Keep people and pets out of treated areas until sprays have dried.
The product is not registered for sale or use in all states; check local registration status before purchase. State restrictions apply.
Handling and Safety
Applicators and handlers must wear the proper personal protective equipment (PPE) when mixing and applying this product, including long-sleeved shirt, long pants, shoes, socks, and chemical-resistant gloves.
