05/09/06 New recommendations for goatgrass control

Dryland grain growers who manage jointed goatgrass by mowing it down in field borders, waste areas or conservation acreage should plan to do that before it heads out or flowers. So says University of Idaho weed scientist Don Morishita. MORISHITA "Growers know how to stage their wheat crop and they know when their wheat is in the boot stage and so that's what we're recommending for the goatgrass. Wait until that goatgrass is in that boot stage before you go and mow it but do it before the heads emerge." Research by graduate student Mike Quinn indicates that allowing the weed to flower for even two days runs the risk that some seed will germinate after its been cut. Jointed goatgrass is difficult to distinguish from the crop that it so readily infests. Morishita says goatgrass has invaded dryland growing areas across southern and northern Idaho. MORISHITA "The greatest amount of it is going to be in southeast Idaho and then you'll find jointed goatgrass throughout most of the northern Idaho counties where wheat is grown." While irrigated wheat out competes jointed goatgrass, dryland yields can suffer reductions of up to 30 percent. Voice of Idaho Agriculture Bill Scott