Integrated Weed Management of Feathertop Rhodes Grass

Feathertop Rhodes grass (Chloris virgata Sw.) (FTR) is one of the most significant weed species in farming systems of the northern grains region due to its widespread distribution, impact on grain yield, and its cost and difficulty to control. This impact is quickly spreading to the southern and western regions.

FTR is well adapted to zero-till farming systems that are highly dependent on post-emergent herbicides. This has resulted in several FTR populations becoming resistant to Group M (glyphosate) and more recently Group A herbicides.

Research and paddock experience have shown that vigilance in monitoring and implementation of a suite of tactics is essential for successful management of FTR. Despite the adaptability of FTR, there are some ecological weaknesses that can be exploited to improve management success, including that:

• most seed will germinate from a depth of zero to two
  centimetres;
• the seed is relatively short-lived; and
• if seed production is stopped for 18 months, the seedbank can
  be exhausted relatively quickly.