Submitted to: Western Society of Weed Science Research Reports
Publication Type: Research Notes
Publication Acceptance Date: December 1, 2004
Publication Date: March 1, 2005
Citation: Anderson, R.L. 2005. A planning aid for jointed goatgrass management. Western Society of Weed Science Research Reports. pp. 179-180. Technical Abstract: Jointed goatgrass (Aegilops cylindrica) has plagued winter wheat producers of the United States for several decades. Because this species shares a genetic ancestry with winter wheat, herbicides are usually ineffective in selectively controlling jointed goatgrass in wheat. Several cultural practices are available to manage jointed goatgrass in winter wheat, but seldom do one or two practices achieve effective long-term control. Producers recognize that jointed goatgrass management requires a comprehensive systems approach; control tactics are needed in several phases of the jointed goatgrass life cycle to achieve effective population management. To help producers plan management systems for jointed goatgrass, we developed a visual guide that arranges cultural choices by decision times of the winter wheat production cycle. Within each of the four decision times, producers can choose control tactics that either favor winter wheat or suppress jointed goatgrass. A key to jointed goatgrass management is to reduce the number of jointed goatgrass seeds in the agroecosystem. Developing comprehensive systems that includes cultural practices from each decision time is most effective in minimizing both seed production by jointed goatgrass and seed survival in soil. Systems management is effective because synergism occurs among individual practices when used together, enhancing their impact on jointed goatgrass growth. Our goal with this figure is to provide a framework to facilitate systematic planning for jointed goatgrass control. This approach also will help manage other winter annual grasses such as feral rye or downy brome.