Description
Jointed goatgrass (Aegilops cylindrica) is a winter annual grass native of southern Europe and western Asia. Jointed goatgrass is generally found in areas of 10 to 20 inches of annual rainfall and in elevations of 800 to 4,000 feet.
Control Methods
Prevention: Identify plants and avoid introduction of seeds by contaminated equipment or field edges. Plant clean seed because jointed goatgrass seeds are often found as a contaminant in small grains (see photo).
Cultural: Crop rotation is an effective control method. The use of a broadleaf crop can aid in breaking the cycle of jointed goatgrass infestations in grass-like cropping systems. Mowing can be effective in roadsides, fencerows and non-cropland areas; however, timing is critical. Burning can reduce seed by 80% if sufficient residue is present; however, seeds buried in the soil will remain viable. Moldboard plowing can be used to bury seedlings at least 6 inches; however, seeds brought up through plowing will cause additional populations to develop.
Chemical Control: The use of nonselective herbicides (glyphosate, paraquat, glufosinate) for control of jointed goatgrass should be considered following wheat harvest and in the early spring in a wheat fallow rotation. If precipitation events occur during the fallow season and the fall prior to planting consider nonselective herbicide applications prior to planting a new crop.
Postemergence control of jointed goatgrass in cereal crops is limited. The use of the Clearfield production system has been very effective for the management of jointed goatgrass. This is as herbicide-tolerant wheat to the chemical imazamox (Beyond). Jointed goatgrass is extremely sensitive to this chemical and complete control can be obtained, however, misuse and continued use can lead to herbicide resistance within jointed goatgrass. Confirmed resistance of jointed goatgrass has been confirmed in eastern Washington.
To prevent resistance and manage goatgrass populations, use herbicide with a different mode of action on a rotational basis and implement alternative crop rotations.
Please refer to the PNW Weed Management Handbook for additional information.
