How do I control bluegrass in winter wheat?

Bluegrass competition in winter wheat can result in yield losses of up to 50%. We reviewed current research to provide recommendations for reliable control of annual and roughstalk bluegrass in Ontario.

The simple answer

A little more information

Research done by Michigan State University’s Dr. Christy Sprague has shown that yield losses of up to 50% can occur from bluegrass competition in winter wheat. Bluegrass species often head at the same time as winter wheat, and could intercept and reduce the amount of fusarium head blight fungicide reaching the grain head (Figure 1). These competitive grassy weeds emerge primarily in the fall but also in early spring. Plants smaller than 10 cm in height are easier to control with herbicides. Early spring applications provide better control than fall applications. Some bluegrass seedlings – that are missed by fall applications – emerge in early spring. Both fall and early spring applications provide better control than late spring applications.