Echinochloa crus-galli, commonly known as barnyardgrass, is one of the most widespread and competitive grass weeds in the world. It infests rice paddies, corn fields, sorghum, cotton, and vegetable crops, reducing yields by competing for water, nutrients, and light. Because it is a grass species, control requires grass-selective herbicides rather than broadleaf products.
Effective barnyardgrass control depends on destroying the plant before it tillers and produces seed. Post-emergent herbicides applied to young seedlings deliver the best results, while pre-emergent products prevent germination in the first place. Combining both approaches delivers the most reliable season-long control.
Barnyardgrass has developed resistance to multiple herbicide groups worldwide, including ACCase inhibitors, ALS inhibitors, and synthetic auxins. Rotating modes of action, using full labeled rates, and integrating cultural practices are essential for long-term control. Always confirm the species before choosing a product.
In this guide, we review the best herbicides for Echinochloa crus-galli by examining pre-emergent and post-emergent options, application timing, and resistance-management practices for long-term control.
Best Herbicide For Echinochloa Crus Galli: Top 15 Options
1. Select Max Herbicide – Best Overall Herbicide For Echinochloa Crus Galli
Select Max Herbicide is the best overall herbicide for Echinochloa crus-galli because it delivers post-emergent grass control in a broad range of labeled crops. It contains clethodim, a Group 1 ACCase inhibitor that is absorbed through grass leaves and translocated to growing points. It is highly effective on barnyardgrass seedlings before they tiller.
This clethodim product is labeled for broadleaf crops where post-emergent grass control is needed without harming the crop. It works best when applied to young, actively growing barnyardgrass before it exceeds the labeled size. It requires a crop oil concentrate or non-ionic surfactant for best absorption.
Because it is a Group 1 herbicide, repeated use selects for resistant biotypes. Rotate to a different mode of action in the following season to preserve effectiveness.
- Post-emergent grass control
- Effective on barnyardgrass
- Works in broadleaf crops
- Absorbed and translocated
- Widely used
- Trusted by growers
- Multiple labeled uses
- Group 1 resistance risk
- Requires adjuvant
- Best on small weeds only
2. Poast Herbicide – Best Sethoxydim Herbicide For Echinochloa Crus Galli
Poast Herbicide is the best sethoxydim herbicide for Echinochloa crus-galli because it delivers selective post-emergent control in labeled crops. It contains sethoxydim, another Group 1 ACCase inhibitor. It is absorbed through grass leaves and translocated to growing points.
- This selective post-emergent herbicide targets and kills grass growth.
- The product can be applied to around vegetables, gardens, trees, shrubs and ornamentals safely.
This sethoxydim product is labeled for broadleaf crops where post-emergent grass control is needed. It works best when applied to young, actively growing barnyardgrass before it exceeds the labeled size. It requires a crop oil concentrate for best absorption.
Because it is a Group 1 herbicide, switching from clethodim to sethoxydim does not constitute a true mode-of-action rotation. Rotate to a different group such as Group 2 or Group 15 for resistance management.
- Selective grass control
- Effective on barnyardgrass
- Works in broadleaf crops
- Absorbed and translocated
- Widely used
- Established product
- Trusted by growers
- Group 1 resistance risk
- Requires adjuvant
- Best on small weeds only
3. Assure II Herbicide – Best Quizalofop Herbicide For Echinochloa Crus Galli
Assure II Herbicide is the best quizalofop herbicide for Echinochloa crus-galli because it delivers selective post-emergent grass control in labeled crops. It contains quizalofop, a Group 1 ACCase inhibitor in the FOP family. It is absorbed through grass leaves and translocated to growing points.
- BROAD-SPECTRUM WEED ACTION: Fusilade herbicide weed killer targets perennial and annual grass weeds in various settings. Safe for landscapes, nurseries, and sports fields, it controls weeds without harming ornamentals, ensuring a clean appearance
- POWERFUL BROAD-SPECTRUM CONTROL: Applied at 1.29-1.95 oz./acre, Recognition selectively controls sedges (including yellow and puple nutsedge), kyllingas, grasses and broadleaf weeds (dollarweed / lawn pennywort, spotted spurge, wild garlic, carpetweed)
This quizalofop product is labeled for broadleaf crops where post-emergent grass control is needed. It works best when applied to young, actively growing barnyardgrass before it exceeds the labeled size. It requires a crop oil concentrate or non-ionic surfactant for best absorption.
Because it is a Group 1 herbicide, rotate to a different mode of action in the following season to slow resistance. Barnyardgrass has developed resistance to multiple Group 1 products worldwide.
- Selective grass control
- Effective on barnyardgrass
- Works in broadleaf crops
- Absorbed and translocated
- FOP chemistry
- Established formulation
- Trusted by growers
- Group 1 resistance risk
- Requires adjuvant
- Best on small weeds only
4. Fusilade DX Herbicide – Best Fluazifop Herbicide For Echinochloa Crus Galli
Fusilade DX Herbicide is the best fluazifop herbicide for Echinochloa crus-galli because it delivers selective post-emergent grass control in labeled crops. It contains fluazifop-P-butyl, a Group 1 ACCase inhibitor in the FOP family. It is absorbed through grass leaves and translocated to growing points.
- Group 1 Herbicide
- Postemergence Herbicide Control of Perennial and Annual Grass Weeds
This fluazifop product is labeled for broadleaf crops where post-emergent grass control is needed. It works best when applied to young, actively growing barnyardgrass before it exceeds the labeled size. It requires a crop oil concentrate for best absorption.
Because it is a Group 1 herbicide, rotate to a different mode of action in the following season to slow resistance. Barnyardgrass has developed resistance to FOP herbicides in many rice-growing regions.
- Selective grass control
- Effective on barnyardgrass
- Works in broadleaf crops
- Absorbed and translocated
- FOP chemistry
- Established product
- Trusted by growers
- Group 1 resistance risk
- Requires adjuvant
- Best on small weeds only
4. Select 2 EC Herbicide – Best Clethodim Herbicide For Echinochloa Crus Galli
Select 2 EC Herbicide is the best clethodim herbicide for Echinochloa crus-galli because it delivers selective post-emergent grass control in labeled crops. It contains clethodim, a Group 1 ACCase inhibitor. It is absorbed through grass leaves and translocated to growing points.
- USE SITES: For use on both cool and warm season grasses
- EFFECTIVE AGAINST: Dandelion, clover, plantain, and many other listed broadleaf weeds
This clethodim product is labeled for broadleaf crops where post-emergent grass control is needed. It works best when applied to young, actively growing barnyardgrass before it exceeds the labeled size. It requires a crop oil concentrate or non-ionic surfactant for best absorption.
Because it is a Group 1 herbicide, switching from Select Max to Select 2 EC does not constitute a true mode-of-action rotation. Rotate to a different group for resistance management.
- Selective grass control
- Effective on barnyardgrass
- Works in broadleaf crops
- Absorbed and translocated
- Established chemistry
- Multiple labeled uses
- Trusted by growers
- Group 1 resistance risk
- Requires adjuvant
- Best on small weeds only
5. Prowl H2O Herbicide – Best Pre-Emergent Herbicide For Echinochloa Crus Galli
Prowl H2O Herbicide is the best pre-emergent herbicide for Echinochloa crus-galli because it forms a soil barrier that stops grass seedlings before they emerge. It contains pendimethalin, which is absorbed by emerging shoots and roots. It is highly effective on barnyardgrass in corn, cotton, and many other crops.
This pendimethalin product is labeled for many row crops and works best when applied before weed emergence with adequate soil moisture. It is often tank-mixed with atrazine or metribuzin for broader spectrum control. It does not control emerged barnyardgrass.
Because it is a Group 3 herbicide, it is a useful rotation partner with Group 1 and Group 2 products. Apply at the full labeled rate for consistent results.
- Pre-emergent grass control
- Effective on barnyardgrass
- Long soil residual
- Tank-mix flexibility
- Works in many crops
- Different mode of action
- Trusted by growers
- Requires soil moisture
- No post-emergent activity
- Carryover risk in some rotations
6. Dual II Magnum Herbicide – Best S-Metolachlor Herbicide For Echinochloa Crus Galli
Dual II Magnum Herbicide is the best s-metolachlor herbicide for Echinochloa crus-galli because it forms a soil barrier that stops grass seedlings before they emerge. It is absorbed by emerging shoots and roots and disrupts cell division. It is highly effective on barnyardgrass in corn, sorghum, and many other crops.
- Timing flexibility: pre-plant surface-applied, pre-plant incorporated, pre-emergence and post-emergent treatment
- Contains 7.8 pounds of Metolachlor per gallon
This s-metolachlor product is labeled for many row crops and works best when applied before weed emergence with adequate soil moisture. It is often tank-mixed with atrazine for broader spectrum control. It does not control emerged barnyardgrass.
Because it is a Group 15 herbicide, it is a useful rotation partner with Group 1 and Group 2 products. Apply at the full labeled rate for consistent results.
- Pre-emergent grass control
- Effective on barnyardgrass
- Long soil residual
- Tank-mix flexibility
- Works in many crops
- Different mode of action
- Trusted by growers
- Requires soil moisture
- No post-emergent activity
- Carryover risk in some rotations
7. Outlook Herbicide – Best Dimethenamid Herbicide For Echinochloa Crus Galli
Outlook Herbicide is the best dimethenamid herbicide for Echinochloa crus-galli because it forms a soil barrier that stops grass seedlings before they emerge. It is absorbed by emerging shoots and roots and disrupts cell division. It is highly effective on barnyardgrass in corn, soybeans, and many other crops.
- Transline Clopyralid Specialty Herbicide controls broadleaf weeds and woody brush species in non-crop areas, forest sites, industrial manufacturing and storage sites, rights-of-way, and wildlife openings, including grazed areas on these sites, tree plantations, and rangeland and permanent grass pastures.
This dimethenamid-P product is labeled for many row crops and works best when applied before weed emergence with adequate soil moisture. It is often tank-mixed with atrazine for broader spectrum control. It does not control emerged barnyardgrass.
Because it is a Group 15 herbicide, it is a useful rotation partner with Group 1 and Group 2 products. Apply at the full labeled rate for consistent results.
- Pre-emergent grass control
- Effective on barnyardgrass
- Long soil residual
- Tank-mix flexibility
- Works in many crops
- Different mode of action
- Trusted by growers
- Requires soil moisture
- No post-emergent activity
- Carryover risk in some rotations
8. Command 3ME Herbicide – Best Clomazone Herbicide For Echinochloa Crus Galli
Command 3ME Herbicide is the best clomazone herbicide for Echinochloa crus-galli because it forms a soil barrier that stops grass seedlings before they emerge. It contains clomazone, which is absorbed by emerging shoots and inhibits pigment production. It is highly effective on barnyardgrass in rice, soybeans, and other crops.
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This clomazone product is labeled for rice, soybeans, and other crops and works best when applied before weed emergence with adequate soil moisture. It is often tank-mixed with other pre-emergent herbicides for broader spectrum control. It does not control emerged barnyardgrass.
Because it is a Group 13 herbicide, it is a useful rotation partner with Group 1 and Group 2 products. It can cause temporary crop whitening, but plants usually recover.
- Pre-emergent grass control
- Effective on barnyardgrass
- Works in rice and soybeans
- Tank-mix flexibility
- Different mode of action
- Long soil residual
- Trusted by growers
- Requires soil moisture
- No post-emergent activity
- Can cause crop whitening
9. Facet L Herbicide – Best Quinclorac Herbicide For Echinochloa Crus Galli
Facet L Herbicide is the best quinclorac herbicide for Echinochloa crus-galli because it delivers both pre-emergent and post-emergent control in rice and other labeled crops. It contains quinclorac, which is absorbed through roots and leaves. It is highly effective on barnyardgrass at multiple growth stages.
- Description: High quality formulation specifically targeted to broadleaf and grassy weed control on ornamental turf, such as lawns, parks, cemeteries, golf courses (fairways, aprons, tees and roughs) and sod farms.
- For use In: Commercial & Residential Turf-grass: Residential Lawns, Parks, Cemeteries and Golf Courses (Fairways, Aprons, Tees, Roughs) * See Product label for complete list. See Product label for complete list.
This quinclorac product is labeled for rice and other crops and works best when applied before or after weed emergence. It is often tank-mixed with other herbicides for broader spectrum control. It is one of the few products that controls both seedling and established barnyardgrass.
Because it is a Group 4 herbicide, it is a useful rotation partner with Group 1, Group 2, and Group 15 products. Apply at the full labeled rate for consistent results.
- Pre and post-emergent activity
- Effective on barnyardgrass
- Works in rice
- Different mode of action
- Tank-mix flexibility
- Controls multiple stages
- Trusted by growers
- Some soil residual
- Requires correct timing
- Not for all crops
10. Propanil Herbicide – Best Post-Emergent Herbicide For Echinochloa Crus Galli In Rice
Propanil Herbicide is the best post-emergent herbicide for Echinochloa crus-galli in rice because it delivers fast contact control without harming the crop. It is absorbed through leaves and disrupts photosynthesis in susceptible grasses. It is highly effective on barnyardgrass seedlings and young plants.
- This weed killer safe for grass and kills the weeds not the lawn when used as directed
- Fast acting post emergent weed control for lawns, see results in hours
This propanil product is labeled for rice and works best when applied to young, actively growing barnyardgrass. It requires good spray coverage for effective control. It is often tank-mixed with other herbicides for broader spectrum control and resistance management.
Because it is a Group 7 herbicide, it is a useful rotation partner with Group 1, Group 2, and Group 15 products. Apply at the full labeled rate for consistent results.
- Post-emergent grass control
- Effective on barnyardgrass
- Works in rice
- Fast contact action
- Different mode of action
- Tank-mix flexibility
- Trusted by growers
- Requires good coverage
- Best on small weeds only
- Resistance risk in some regions
11. Clincher Herbicide – Best Cyhalofop Herbicide For Echinochloa Crus Galli
Clincher Herbicide is the best cyhalofop herbicide for Echinochloa crus-galli because it delivers selective post-emergent grass control in rice and other labeled crops. It contains cyhalofop-butyl, a Group 1 ACCase inhibitor in the FOP family. It is absorbed through grass leaves and translocated to growing points.
No products found.
This cyhalofop product is labeled for rice and works best when applied to young, actively growing barnyardgrass before it exceeds the labeled size. It requires a crop oil concentrate or non-ionic surfactant for best absorption. It is often tank-mixed with other herbicides for broader spectrum control.
Because it is a Group 1 herbicide, rotate to a different mode of action in the following season to slow resistance. Barnyardgrass has developed resistance to multiple Group 1 products worldwide.
- Selective grass control
- Effective on barnyardgrass
- Works in rice
- Absorbed and translocated
- FOP chemistry
- Tank-mix flexibility
- Trusted by growers
- Group 1 resistance risk
- Requires adjuvant
- Best on small weeds only
12. RiceBeaux Herbicide – Best Combination Herbicide For Echinochloa Crus Galli
RiceBeaux Herbicide is the best combination herbicide for Echinochloa crus-galli because it pairs two active ingredients that work on different sites within the plant. It contains propanil and thiobencarb and delivers both contact and residual activity. It is highly effective on barnyardgrass and other grass weeds in rice.
- This weed killer safe for grass and kills the weeds not the lawn when used as directed
- Fast acting post emergent weed control for lawns, see results in hours
This propanil plus thiobencarb product is labeled for rice and works best when applied to young, actively growing barnyardgrass. It requires good spray coverage for effective contact control. It is often used as part of a resistance-management program.
Because it contains two modes of action, it is a useful tool for slowing resistance. Apply at the full labeled rate for consistent results.
- Two modes of action
- Contact and residual activity
- Effective on barnyardgrass
- Works in rice
- Slows resistance
- Trusted by growers
- Convenient single product
- Requires good coverage
- Best on small weeds only
- Some soil residual
13. Bolero Herbicide – Best Thiobencarb Herbicide For Echinochloa Crus Galli
Bolero Herbicide is the best thiobencarb herbicide for Echinochloa crus-galli because it delivers pre-emergent and early post-emergent control in rice and other labeled crops. It contains thiobencarb, which is absorbed by roots and shoots. It is highly effective on barnyardgrass seedlings.
- This weed killer safe for grass and kills the weeds not the lawn when used as directed
- Fast acting post emergent weed control for lawns, see results in hours
This thiobencarb product is labeled for rice and works best when applied before or shortly after weed emergence with adequate soil moisture. It is often tank-mixed with propanil for broader spectrum control. It does not control established barnyardgrass.
Because it is a Group 8 herbicide, it is a useful rotation partner with Group 1, Group 2, and Group 15 products. Apply at the full labeled rate for consistent results.
- Pre-emergent grass control
- Effective on barnyardgrass
- Works in rice
- Different mode of action
- Tank-mix flexibility
- Some residual activity
- Trusted by growers
- Requires soil moisture
- Best on small weeds only
- Limited crop uses
14. Butachlor Herbicide – Best Pre-Emergent Herbicide For Echinochloa Crus Galli In Transplanted Rice
Butachlor Herbicide is the best pre-emergent herbicide for Echinochloa crus-galli in transplanted rice because it forms a soil barrier that stops grass seedlings before they emerge. It is absorbed by emerging shoots and inhibits protein synthesis. It is highly effective on barnyardgrass in paddy rice.
- Lawn weed killer starts working on contact to kill even tough weeds to the root
- Lawn weed killer for grass won't harm your lawn when used as directed
This butachlor product is labeled for transplanted rice and works best when applied within a few days of transplanting with adequate soil moisture. It is often tank-mixed with other pre-emergent herbicides for broader spectrum control. It does not control emerged barnyardgrass.
Because it is a Group 15 herbicide, it is a useful rotation partner with Group 1, Group 2, and Group 7 products. Apply at the full labeled rate for consistent results.
- Pre-emergent grass control
- Effective on barnyardgrass
- Works in transplanted rice
- Different mode of action
- Tank-mix flexibility
- Long soil residual
- Trusted by growers
- Requires soil moisture
- No post-emergent activity
- Limited crop uses
15. Pretilachlor Herbicide – Best Herbicide For Echinochloa Crus Galli In Direct-Seeded Rice
Pretilachlor Herbicide is the best herbicide for Echinochloa crus-galli in direct-seeded rice because it delivers pre-emergent and early post-emergent control in wet-seeded systems. It is absorbed by emerging shoots and inhibits cell division. It is highly effective on barnyardgrass in paddy rice.
- This weed killer safe for grass and kills the weeds not the lawn when used as directed
- Fast acting post emergent weed control for lawns, see results in hours
This pretilachlor product is labeled for direct-seeded rice and works best when applied within a few days of seeding with adequate soil moisture. It is often tank-mixed with other pre-emergent herbicides for broader spectrum control. It does not control established barnyardgrass.
Because it is a Group 15 herbicide, it is a useful rotation partner with Group 1, Group 2, and Group 7 products. Apply at the full labeled rate for consistent results.
- Pre-emergent grass control
- Effective on barnyardgrass
- Works in direct-seeded rice
- Different mode of action
- Tank-mix flexibility
- Long soil residual
- Trusted by growers
- Requires soil moisture
- No post-emergent activity
- Limited crop uses
Tips For Controlling Echinochloa Crus Galli With Herbicides
- Identify the species first: Confirm the grass is Echinochloa crus-galli and not another barnyardgrass species, since control programs vary by species and region.
- Treat young weeds: Post-emergent herbicides work best on barnyardgrass before it tillers and exceeds the labeled size.
- Apply pre-emergent before germination: Prowl H2O, Dual II Magnum, Outlook, and Command 3ME work best when applied before weed emergence with adequate soil moisture.
- Rotate modes of action: Barnyardgrass has developed resistance to multiple herbicide groups. Rotate between Group 1, Group 2, Group 4, Group 7, and Group 15 products.
- Use full labeled rates: Reduced rates allow partially resistant plants to survive and reproduce. Use full labeled rates for consistent control.
- Integrate cultural practices: Crop rotation, flooding, and competitive crop varieties reduce barnyardgrass pressure and slow resistance.
- Monitor and re-treat: Barnyardgrass can regrow from the seed bank after a single treatment. Scout fields 7 to 14 days after application and re-treat escapes while they are small.
Best Herbicide For Echinochloa Crus Galli FAQ’S
1. What is the best herbicide for Echinochloa crus-galli?
Select Max Herbicide is the best overall post-emergent herbicide for Echinochloa crus-galli in broadleaf crops because it delivers selective grass control. Facet L Herbicide is the best option in rice because it controls both seedling and established barnyardgrass.
2. Will glyphosate kill barnyardgrass?
Glyphosate kills barnyardgrass on contact when applied to actively growing plants, but it is non-selective and kills the crop as well. It is used for burndown before planting, not post-emergent in crop.
3. What is the best pre-emergent for barnyardgrass?
Prowl H2O Herbicide, Dual II Magnum Herbicide, Outlook Herbicide, and Command 3ME Herbicide are the best pre-emergent options for barnyardgrass. They form a soil barrier that stops seedlings from emerging when applied before germination.
4. Can I use propanil on barnyardgrass?
Propanil Herbicide is effective on young barnyardgrass in rice when applied with good spray coverage. It works on contact and does not move into the roots, so application timing is critical.
5. Why is barnyardgrass resistant to herbicides?
Barnyardgrass has developed resistance through repeated use of the same herbicide mode of action, which selects for naturally resistant individuals. Resistance has been documented in ACCase inhibitors, ALS inhibitors, and synthetic auxins worldwide.
6. How do I prevent barnyardgrass resistance?
Rotate modes of action, use full labeled rates, tank-mix with effective partners, and integrate cultural practices like crop rotation and flooding. Never rely on a single herbicide group year after year.
7. What is the best herbicide for barnyardgrass in rice?
Facet L Herbicide, Propanil Herbicide, Clincher Herbicide, RiceBeaux Herbicide, Bolero Herbicide, Butachlor Herbicide, and Pretilachlor Herbicide are all effective in rice. The best choice depends on the rice production system and resistance status in your region.
Conclusion
Select Max Herbicide is the best overall herbicide for Echinochloa crus-galli in broadleaf crops because it delivers selective post-emergent grass control. Facet L Herbicide follows closely as the best option in rice because it controls both seedling and established barnyardgrass with a different mode of action.
For pre-emergent control, Prowl H2O Herbicide, Dual II Magnum Herbicide, Outlook Herbicide, and Command 3ME Herbicide form a soil barrier that stops barnyardgrass before it emerges. Combining pre-emergent and post-emergent programs delivers the most reliable season-long control.
Barnyardgrass resistance is the biggest long-term challenge. Rotating modes of action, using full labeled rates, and integrating cultural practices are essential for preserving herbicide effectiveness across rice, corn, and specialty crops.
Start your Echinochloa crus-galli control program this season, choose the right product for your crop and resistance status, and plan for follow-up treatments each year. Consistent effort delivers a clean field and strong yields.