Downy brome (Bromus tectorum) control in established alfalfa (Medicago sativa)

Two experiments were conducted near Scottsbluff, NE, to evaluate the efficacy of fall- and spring-applied herbicides for downy brome control in established alfalfa. Downy brome was effectively removed from established alfalfa, and alfalfa yield increased with fall applications of hexazinone, metribuzin, pronamide, and terbacil. Regression analysis indicated a linear relationship between alfalfa yield and downy brome biomass. Glyphosate or paraquat suppressed downy brome when applied to dormant alfalfa in the spring. If glyphosate or paraquat application was delayed until after alfalfa had resumed spring growth, injury was observed. Alfalfa yield did not increase following spring applications of glyphosate or paraquat.