Brome Grass: Identification, Challenges, and Management

Brome grass is a major concern in cereal crop production across many regions. Certain species, like sterile brome (Bromus sterilis) and soft brome (Bromus hordeaceus), present a persistent threat due to their rapid growth, seed longevity, and close relation to cereal crops. Their presence in fields not only affects yield but also complicates disease control and harvest quality.

What Is Brome Grass?

Brome grasses are annual or biennial weeds that thrive in temperate climates. They germinate in the autumn or spring and grow aggressively, competing with cereals for nutrients, light, and space. Their seeds resemble those of cereals, making mechanical separation during harvest difficult and increasing the risk of contamination.

Some species can serve as hosts for cereal pathogens, further increasing disease pressure during the growing season. Their resemblance to cereal crops also makes selective control a major challenge for growers.

Agricultural Impact

The presence of brome grass in cereal fields has several negative effects:

• Reduced crop yield due to resource competition
• Decreased harvest quality through seed contamination
• Increased disease risk by serving as a green bridge for pathogens
• Limited herbicide options due to genetic similarity to crops

Farmers must therefore adopt a proactive, integrated approach to minimize its impact.

Brome Management Strategies

Effective control hinges on disrupting its life cycle and reducing seed viability. Key strategies include:

1. Delayed Drilling

Delaying sowing of cereal crops in autumn allows time for an initial flush of brome seedlings to emerge and be destroyed before planting. This depletes the seed bank and reduces in-crop pressure.

2. Competitive Crop Establishment

Using denser sowing rates and competitive varieties can reduce space and light for brome to thrive. Strong, early crop establishment helps suppress weed growth.

3. Crop Rotation

Introducing non-cereal crops like legumes or oilseeds breaks the cycle of brome infestation and allows the use of alternative herbicides that target brome without harming the main crop.

4. Herbicide Timing and Mode of Action

Herbicides are most effective when used early and integrated with cultural methods. Repeated use of the same chemical group can lead to resistance, so rotating modes of action is essential for long-term success.

5. Post-Harvest Management

Managing volunteers and crop residues can prevent brome seed spread and emergence in subsequent seasons. Destroying stubble and controlling green bridges between crops is key.

Long-Term Control Outlook

Brome grass is resilient, with seeds that can remain viable in the soil for years. A single-season approach is rarely enough. Successful management requires multiple strategies deployed across crop cycles, with close monitoring and adjustments based on weed pressure and environmental conditions.

Article by Dr Russell Sharp

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