Control of Downy Brome (Bromus tectorum) with Herbicides and Perennial Grass Competition

Abstract

Long-term control of downy brome with an integrated approach is needed in order to sustain range productivity. Studies were conducted to study the effectiveness of a combination of downy brome control practices. In two studies, glyphosate and paraquat were evaluated at various rates for up to three successive years for control of downy brome in rangeland. A third study evaluated the competitiveness of perennial cool-season grasses against downy brome in the absence of herbicides. Glyphosate, at 0.55 kg/ha, and 0.6 kg/ha paraquat provided selective downy brome control on rangeland when applications were combined with intensive grazing. Downy brome control was greater than 90% following two sequential years of 0.6 kg/ha paraquat at either the two- to eight-leaf stage or bloom stage at both study locations. At one study location, 0.55 kg/ha glyphosate provided 97% control after the first application at both growth stages. In the second study, control averaged greater than 92% following three sequential applications of glyphosate. When perennial cool-season grasses were seeded in the spring following fall tillage (no herbicides) and allowed to establish for three growing seasons, three of the five species were effective in reducing the reestablishment of downy brome. ‘Luna’ pubescent wheatgrass, ‘Hycrest’ crested wheatgrass, ‘Sodar’ streambank wheatgrass, ‘Bozoisky’ Russian wildrye, and ‘Critana’ thickspike wheatgrass controlled 100, 91, 85, 45, and 32% of the downy brome, respectively. Yields of perennial grass dry matter were 1,714, 1,596, 1,135, 900, and 792 kg/ha. Replacing noncompetitive annual grasses with competitive cool-season perennials will provide a longer term solution to a downy brome problem than the use of herbicides alone or with intensive grazing.

Backcountry Huts as Introduction Points for Invasion by Non-native Species into Subalpine Vegetation

“…Where cheatgrass is already abundant, it could possibly be directly controlled, but also precluded from further expansion by landscaping areas of untended vegetation, planting invasion-resistant native vegetation, or avoiding burning where cheatgrass is present or could disperse. Some studies have shown that planting of certain perennials may help to prevent further establishment and invasion of cheatgrass (Whitson and Koch 1998;Monaco et. al.…”

Genetic structure of Greater Sage-Grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) in a declining, peripheral population

“…Therefore methods to reduce cheatgrass densities are necessary. Proposed techniques include herbicides imazapic (Plateau) (Shinn and Thill 2002) and glyphosate (Whitson and Koch 1998), defoliation via livestock grazing (Hulbert 1955, Finnerty and Klingman 1961, Mosley 1996, pathogenic bacteria (Kennedy et al 1991) and fungi (Meyer et al 2001). Although prescribed fire alone is not recommended (Mosley et al 1999), it may be an effective technique worth investigation if applied in combination with a spring glyphosate treatment and conducted either in late spring or autumn.…”

Use of Woody Debris by Cotton Mice (Peromyscus Gossypinus) in a Southeastern Pine Forest

“…One technique that has proven effective for brome control is planting highly competitive, non-native perennial grasses, such as pubescent wheatgrass (Thinopyrum intermedium Host. Barkworth & Dewey) or crested wheatgrass (Agropyron desertorum L.) Whitson and Koch 1998). However, grass competition, particularly from competitive non-natives, hinders the establishment of other plant functional groups, such as forbs and shrubs (Hild et al 2006;Redente et al 1984).…”