Agronomy Library > Rotations

Foxtail Barley Control in Direct Seeding Systems
Author: Rob Dunn and Bob Blackshaw
Date Created: April 02, 1999
Last Reviewed: January 15, 2009
Foxtail barley (wild barley, Hordeum jubatum) is a shallow-rooted, perennial bunchgrass common to non-cropland areas in Alberta. It has good tolerance to salinity and spring flooding, and it is capable of productive growth on all soil types. Foxtail barley becomes more of a concern whenever tillage intensity and frequency are reduced because few herbicide control options are available. The plant has a shallow, fibrous root system that makes it more susceptible to control by tillage than many other perennial weeds. Foxtail barley seeds germinate at or near the soil surface in the cooler temperatures of fall or spring. Seed heads are easily carried by the wind which enables them to quickly spread from field margins or within fields. Seed viability declines rapidly after three years. Infestations can develop quickly where crop competition is poor due to soil salinity, drought, poor crop establishment or poor weed control practices. Fall-seeded cereals may allow foxtail barley levels to increase because the crop and weed develop during the same period with few herbicide control options.  Click here for the complete article.