As the wheat crop enters its active growth phase, grassy leaf weeds can become a major issue for growers. These weeds tend to sprout from seeds that have been lying dormant in the soil, waiting for the right conditions to germinate. Once they do, they quickly establish themselves and begin competing with the wheat crop for resources. To ensure that your wheat crop remains healthy and productive, it is important to effectively control these grassy leaf weeds.
The first step in controlling grassy leaf weeds is to correctly identify them. There are several common varieties of grassy leaf weeds that can affect the wheat crop, including cheatgrass, downy brome, and Japanese brome. Once you have identified the weeds in your field, you can start to develop a control plan.
The first irrigation of the season is an ideal time to begin controlling grassy leaf weeds. This is because the initial watering will stimulate germination of any weed seeds lying dormant in the soil, allowing you to target them before they can establish themselves. It is important to note that not all herbicides are effective against grassy leaf weeds, so you will need to choose carefully.
One effective herbicide for controlling grassy leaf weeds in wheat is pyroxasulfone. This herbicide works by inhibiting root development, preventing seedlings from establishing themselves in the soil. It is important to apply pyroxasulfone as soon as possible after the first irrigation, as it is most effective against young seedlings.
Another effective herbicide for controlling grassy leaf weeds in wheat is mesosulfuron-methyl. This herbicide is particularly effective against cheatgrass and downy brome, and works by disrupting the growth process of these weeds. Like pyroxasulfone, mesosulfuron-methyl should be applied as soon as possible after the first irrigation to maximize its effectiveness.
In addition to herbicides, there are several cultural practices that can help control grassy leaf weeds in wheat. One of the most important is crop rotation. By rotating wheat with other crops, you can disrupt the lifecycle of grassy leaf weeds and prevent them from establishing themselves in the soil. Additionally, proper fertilization and irrigation can help promote vigorous wheat growth, making it more competitive with weeds.
Controlling grassy leaf weeds in wheat after the first irrigation can be a challenging task, but with the right approach, it can be done effectively. By correctly identifying the weeds in your field and choosing the right herbicides, you can help ensure that your wheat crop remains healthy and productive throughout the growing season. And by implementing cultural practices like crop rotation and proper irrigation, you can minimize the risk of future weed infestations.