Abstract Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers (cynodon) is a major weed in the South African sugarcane industry. Current recommendations involve repeated application of glyphosate for prolonged control. This paper describes three trials of a study to identify alternative treatments. Trial 1 screened seven non-glypho-sate candidate chemical treatments, trial 2 investigated the effect of tillage prior to herbicide application, and trial 3 compared the best candidate product with glyphosate for phytotoxicity to sugarcane. In trial 1, fluazifop-butyl, imazapyr and glyphosate all provided >95% control for up to 19 weeks after treatment (WAT). In trial 2, treatment of cynodon without prior tillage, with glyphosate and imazapyr provided >90% control up to 20 WAT. However, in cynodon subjected initially to tillage, glyphosate efficacy was reduced to 60% at 12 WAT, whereas imazapyr provided 90% control for up to 20 WAT. Tillage plus a tank mixture of glyphosate plus imazapyr provided significantly higher control than either...