Distribution, biology, and control of downy brome (Bromus tectorum L.) in southwestern Saskatchewan
Date
1988-02-19
Authors
Paquette, S.P.
Thomas, A.G.
Derksen, D.A.
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Abstract
Downy brome was likely introduced near Maple Creek in 1960, and has since spread to infest parts of four Agricultural Extension Districts in southwestern Saskatchewan (Maple Creek, Leader, Swift Current, Shaunavon). By 1987, a total of 150 downy brome reports from 72 townships have been confirmed. During the first weed survey of annual crop fields infested with downy brome, 35 fields were visited and the kinds and numbers of weeds were identified according to standardized weed survey procedures. Downy brome density averaged 213 plants per square metre, and associated weeds were Japanese brome, flixweed, green foxtail, and wild buckwheat. Japanese brome was found in 5 fields, and was less abundant than downy brome in the area surveyed. Large numbers of downy brome seeds (50,000 seeds per square metre) were extracted from soil samples. Downy brome seeds buried in soil germinated more rapidly than those seeds on the soil surface. Most downy brome seeds (98 %) buried 2.5, 5.0, 10.0, or 20.0 cm in soil germinated or deteriorated within 3 months. However, a few seeds remained viable in the soil after 3 months. Research is in progress to determine the relative winter hardiness of downy brome and winter wheat, and to develop chemical control methods.
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Soils and Crops Workshop