Downy brome is well suited to the climate and cropping systems of eastern Washington. Reducing the size and severity of future infestations requires changes in production practices to make the environment less favorable to downy brome. New herbicides for cheatgrass control may be released within a few years. Meanwhile, farmers must make the most of management practices. Although new herbicides being tested effectively control downy brome, nearly all weed scientists agree that herbicides are not a stand-alone management practice.
Herbicides are most effective when integrated into a total package of control measures.
Last fall's rains were timely for early emergence and growth of the cheatgrass. Some of the most severe infestations are in early planted wheat fields. Infestations may be lighter in fields where planting was delayed until fall rains brought on the first flush of downy brome, said Yenish. This first flush of weeds were then killed with tillage or non-selective herbicides prior to seeding. Downy brome emerging ahead of, or along with, the wheat are the most competitive and cause the greatest yield loss in winter wheat.