Cleistogamous seed production has allowed punagrass to persist in alfalfa fields that are cut every month. Frequent mowing can eliminate aerial seed production. However, vegetative regrowth will rapidly occur, and viable, cleistogamous seed will be produced. Mature punagrass clumps are very rigid, but may be pulled or dug. Clumps should be removed, dried, and possibly burned.
Tillage is an effective control method, especially when punagrass is in the seedling stage.
Repeated cultivations will also eliminate established clumps. Infested areas should be monitored for at least two years since seed are viable for that length of time. The primary objective should be punagrass eradication. Livestock in Argentina will generally graze around infestations and will graze punagrass if it is the only forage source. Recent research has examined several herbicides for punagrass control.