Rattail Fescue (Vulpia Myuros) Control in Chemical-Fallow Cropping Systems

Abstract

Rattail fescue infestations are increasing in dryland conservation-tillage winter wheat cropping systems in the inland Pacific Northwest (PNW) region of Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. Rattail fescue typically is controlled with cultivation in conventional tillage farming systems. However, reduced soil disturbance has allowed infestations to increase significantly. The objectives of this research were to determine the effectiveness of glyphosate rates and application timings on control of rattail fescue during a chemical-fallow period in winter wheat cropping systems. Chemical-fallow field studies were conducted during two growing seasons at nine sites throughout the PNW. Glyphosate was applied early POST, late POST, or sequentially in early plus late POST timings. Additionally, paraquat + diuron was applied early and late POST alone or sequentially with glyphosate. Sequential application treatments (glyphosate followed by [fb] glyphosate, paraquat + diuron fb glyphosate, and glyphosate fb paraquat + diuron) controlled rattail fescue (∼ 94% in Idaho and Washington, ∼ 74% in Oregon) and reduced panicle number (∼ 85% in Idaho, ∼ 30% in Oregon and Washington) equivalent to or greater than one-time treatments. Rattail fescue control and panicle reduction generally increased with increasing rates of glyphosate within application timings. Paraquat + diuron usually provided similar control and reduced rattail fescue panicle number compared to glyphosate treatments applied at the same application timing. Although not completely effective, sequential applications of either glyphosate or paraquat + diuron, fb glyphosate will provide effective control during chemical fallow.

Biology and Management of Vulpia myuros—An Emerging Weed Problem in No-Till Cropping Systems in Europe

“…Once established, V. myuros is very competitive in winter cereals during the early crop growth phases, partly because of its ability to establish turf-like stands under warm weather conditions. High infestations of V. myuros can create thick mats and form a physical barrier; hence, dead V. myuros residues from a previous crop can hinder proper operation of the sowing machine in no tillage systems [36], and cause establishment failure of a succeeding autumn sown crop [37].…”

“…Higher effects of glyphosate compared to diquat were reported in herbicide screenings in pot as well as field experiment [62]. Sequential applications of glyphosate was a good option and more effective than a single application against V. myuros in a chemical-fallow cropping system, as was glyphosate in combination with paraquat + diuron [36]. In grassland, the application of glyphosate, simazine and paraquat at sub-lethal rates around panicle emergence in spring, referred to as spray-topping, reduced the Vulpia spp.…”

Importance of cover crops in alleviating negative effects of reduced soil tillage and promoting soil fertility in a winter wheat cropping system

“…This grass species is increasingly found in no till or minimum tillage cropping systems, all over the world, from USA to Europe and Australia (Ball et al, 2007;Mathiassen et al, 2010). Its huge seed production, ability to produce dense and competitive carpets of plants and resistance to some herbicides contribute to its thriving in no till fields Jemmett et al, 2008;Lawrence and Burke, 2014). For these reasons, the spread of this species should surely be monitored more attentively if major problems in no till systems want to be avoided in the near future.…”

Isolation and identification of potent allelopathic substances in rattail fescue

“…Rydb., naturalized winter annual grass originated in the Mediterranean region, and has been increasing in cereal producing and pasture areas especially across temperate North America and Australia (An et al 2001;Ball et al 2008;Tozer et al 2009). The incidence of rattail fescue is increasing rapidly in the places where soil disturbances are minimized such as in direct seed systems Jemmett et al 2008). Weed control of rattail fescue by herbicides is complicated because of its herbicide tolerance Jemmett et al 2008).…”

“…The incidence of rattail fescue is increasing rapidly in the places where soil disturbances are minimized such as in direct seed systems Jemmett et al 2008). Weed control of rattail fescue by herbicides is complicated because of its herbicide tolerance Jemmett et al 2008). Rattail fescue is also used as cover crop in some orchards because it can protect the orchards from weed invasion (Motosugi and Terashima 2008).…”