One study showed that woolly cupgrass produces more leaves, leaf area, tillers and total biomass than giant foxtail. In addition, studies have shown that woolly cupgrass has a higher level of tolerance than giant foxtail to many commonly used herbicides. Woolly Cupgrass Management Prevention Preventing the spread of woolly cupgrass to uninfested fields is by far the simplest and most effective control strategy. Woolly cupgrass is moved from field to field by farm machinery, moving water and birds. Growers should take special care to avoid moving seeds in combines and in soil clinging to tires and tillage equipment.
Harvesting infested fields last is also helpful in avoiding the spread of the weed.
Monitoring field borders, waterways and fence rows is advised in counties where woolly cupgrass is known to exist. In cropped fields, the first clue of an infestation may be the observation of grass escapes in the normal weed control program. Whether in cropped or uncropped areas, the detection of woolly cupgrass warrants extraordinary control measures to eradicate the weed. Only three to five years are needed for this weed to spread throughout a field. Newly infested areas should be noted, spot treated and checked regularly during the growing season.