Most brome species have extensive shallow root systems capable of extracting soil water to the permanent wilting point as deep as 2 feet. Yield losses are more severe when resources are limited and when weeds and wheat emerge simultaneously. Methods of Control Cultural Control. Several cultural practices can be used to help prevent or limit the dispersion and minimize yield loss from annual brome interference. To prevent infestations or limit their dispersion, plant clean seed, destroy spot infestations such as along field borders and waterways, and clean equipment when moving from contaminated to non-contaminated fields.
Crop rotation is the most effective way to control winter annual bromes.
Because most annual brome species are prolific seed producers, allowing only a few plants to set seed is enough to perpetuate a problem. Delaying seeding to kill a flush of weeds before seeding winter wheat sometimes is an effective weed management practice. However, winter annual brome emergence varies widely between years depending on rainfall. Delaying seeding is useful if rain occurs near seeding time and seeding is not delayed beyond the optimum period. A 4-week delay in seeding for cheat control in Oklahoma resulted in severe economic losses.