Downy brome (Bromus tectorum) emergence variability in a semiarid region

This study characterized seedling emergence of downy brome from August to early December over a 6-yr period. Seedlings were counted weekly in quadrats established in winter wheat stubble at Akron, CO. Seedling emergence varied among years, which was caused by erratic seasonal precipitation. Producers delay planting of winter wheat to reduce downy brome density in the crop, but in only 1 yr out of 6 would producers have benefited from this control strategy. Furthermore, delayed planting has negative crop consequences: less grain yield and more susceptibility to plant diseases and wind erosion because of less fall plant growth. Because fall precipitation is erratic in the semiarid Great Plains, other control strategies, such as nitrogen placement and increased seeding rates of winter wheat, would be more effective for downy brome management, yet not detrimental to winter wheat production.