Predicting winter wheat (Triticum aestivum) yield loss based on jointed goatgrass (Aegilops cylindrica) populations from the previous season

To manage jointed goatgrass (Aegilops cylindrical, growers need an action threshold decision aid to assist them in deciding when to rotate to a spring crop instead of growing winter wheat (Triticum aestivum). A study was conducted in Washington from 1992 to 1995 to predict winter wheat yield loss based on a jointed goatgrass population in the previous year's winter wheat crop. To describe the relationship between jointed goatgrass density in year I and the resulting winter wheat yield loss in year 2, data were fitted to a rectangular hyperbolic model. First year jointed goatgrass densities in winter wheat of 1 to 5 plants/m(2) led to a second year winter wheat yield loss of 3 to 30%, Yield loss was greater in a dry year than in a normal to wet year. To initiate an action threshold for jointed goatgrass successfully, growers need to incorporate data from this study with their knowledge of yield potential, price dockage of the subsequent winter wheat crop, and profitability of alternative spring crop rotations.