This guide discusses preventive, cultural, and chemical weed control in winter wheat. The best weed control is obtained by using a combination of these methods. Harvest Aids Summary Winter and summer annual broadleaf weeds have an important economic impact on Nebraska winter wheat. They compete with winter wheat for water, light, space, and nutrients, reducing Nebraska winter wheat yields by an estimated 10 percent each year.
Weeds also slow harvest and increase combine repair costs.
In 1982, only 11 percent of the winter wheat acres in Nebraska were sprayed with herbicides to control weeds. By 1998, however, approximately 60 percent were sprayed. Effective weed control in winter wheat can eliminate losses due to weeds and increase net returns. In addition, weed seeds from the current crop will survive in the soil and cause problems in future crops. These potential problems underscore the importance of broadleaf weed control in winter wheat.