Invasive pasture grass - Ask Extension
Over the past years, I've noticed a type of grass/weed growing in my pastures that is now starting to take over the other grasses. The cows won't eat ...
Knowledgebase
Invasive pasture grass #794036
Asked June 03, 2022, 1:19 PM EDT
Over the past years, I've noticed a type of grass/weed growing in my pastures that is now starting to take over the other grasses. The cows won't eat it, even before it gets to seed, so I need to stop it before it fully takes over. I tried spraying it with Rifle D but it had no effect. I was hoping you might be able to identify what type of plant/grass this might be and how I might be able to control it. The grass has a spikey top and grows to around 18 inches in height. I attached several pictures for reference. Appreciate the help.
Benton County Oregon
Expert Response
Hi,
Your photos show a grass that appears to be either Hare or Mediterranean barley, both are very closely related. They are annual grasses that mature early in the season. Herbicides, such as Rifle D with active ingredients of Dicamba and 2,4-D are not effective on grasses, but can provide control to broadleaf weeds.
The following link will take you to a Weed Report that gives you some management options for these grasses. Unfortunately there is not a selective herbicide that will control these weedy type grasses in a pasture without damaging or killing desirable forage grasses as well. https://wric.ucdavis.edu/information/natural%20areas/wr_H/Hordeum_marinum-murinum.pdf
One option at this point in the season and to help reduce the amount of viable seed that is added to the soil seed bank is to mow and ideally remove the material in heavily infested areas.
Please feel free to contact me directly if you'd like to discuss management options and develop a plan for your long-term pasture goals.
Your photos show a grass that appears to be either Hare or Mediterranean barley, both are very closely related. They are annual grasses that mature early in the season. Herbicides, such as Rifle D with active ingredients of Dicamba and 2,4-D are not effective on grasses, but can provide control to broadleaf weeds.
The following link will take you to a Weed Report that gives you some management options for these grasses. Unfortunately there is not a selective herbicide that will control these weedy type grasses in a pasture without damaging or killing desirable forage grasses as well. https://wric.ucdavis.edu/information/natural%20areas/wr_H/Hordeum_marinum-murinum.pdf
One option at this point in the season and to help reduce the amount of viable seed that is added to the soil seed bank is to mow and ideally remove the material in heavily infested areas.
Please feel free to contact me directly if you'd like to discuss management options and develop a plan for your long-term pasture goals.
