Wheatgrass Establishment with Paraquat and Tillage on Downy Brome Ranges

Abstract

Methods of weed control and seeding of perennial grasses on rangelands infested with downy brome (Bromnus tectorum L.) in Nevada and northeastern California were compared for 4 years. In this sttidy, 1, 1'-dimethyl-4,4'-bipyridinium salt (paraquat) at 0.5 lb/A and higher gave adequate and consistent control of downy brome for establishment of perennial grasses. Disking gave weed control and perennial grass establishment generally comparable to that of paraquat. Weed control from furrowing alone usually was not adequate for establishment of good stands. Seeding in furrows combined with paraquat spraying or disking gave best seedling establishment. Establishment of intermediate or pubescent wheatgrass (Agropyron intermedium (Host) Beauv. and A. trichophtorunti (Link) Richt.) was better than crested wheatgrass (A. desertorum (Fisch.) Schult.). Precipitation in different years, site potential, and weed populationi at different locations influenced weed control and establishment of perennial grasses.