The following is a question that Richard Zollinger, North Dakota State University Extension weed specialist, answered from a farmer about foxtail barley:

TOUGH WEED: Foxtail barley is spread by seed. It is a growing problem, because so many people do not control it.

Question: Can you help me plan the correct time and method to control the foxtail barley that has invaded our pastures? It has migrated from neighboring acreage, and because the farmers who own those acres aren't doing enough to control it, it has become our problem. With each passing year it has become more and more serious. In the past, I've walked one pasture and sprayed each individual plant with glyphosate, but this year we have so much that I can't possibly do that. I've been advised that Plateau is the best chemical for controlling it in pastures. My question is, now that foxtail barley has begun to produce seeds, do we have to wait until next spring to apply Plateau? Is there nothing other than glyphosate that can be used at this time of year? Thank you for any help you can give us.

Answer: Foxtail barley continues to grow each year because many do nothing to control it. Management is difficult in untilled and undisturbed areas.

Foxtail barley is a perennial bunchgrass, thrives where reduced tillage or no-till is practiced, is native to North America, is found in wet areas, and is tolerant of saline/alkaline soils.

Foxtail barley can germinate in the fall or spring. Fall-germinating plants resume growth early in the spring and have a competitive advantage over spring-seeded crops if not controlled through tillage or chemical control (early preplant or pre).

Foxtail barley seeds are primarily spread by wind or can attach to birds or animals for distant distribution.

Foxtail barley grows 1 to 2 feet tall and forms a pale green, bushy spike. Leaves are soft to the touch due to very short but dense hairs that appear a bluish-green or grayish-green.

Foxtail barley is easily controlled with tillage because it has a shallow fibrous root system and does not spread by rootstocks or rhizomes like some other perennial weedy grasses

In 2013, the NDSU Weed Science group chose foxtail barley as Weed of the Year, and the information was included in the 2013 North Dakota Weed Control guide.

In summary, glyphosate applied at 1 pound acid equivalent per acre (40 fluid ounces per acre of the generic 3-pound acid equivalent per gallon or 27 fluid ounces per acre of the Monsanto 4.5-pound acid equivalent per gallon formulation) from August to mid-September provided 72% to 98% foxtail barley control.

Earlier applications and rates lower than 1 pound acid equivalent per acre were less effective.

The best and most consistent long-term treatment was glyphosate applied at 1 pound acid equivalent per acre after foxtail barley seeds had matured.

Brian Jenks, NDSU weed scientist, conducted research on foxtail barley at the North Central Research and Extension Center, Minot, N.D. Glyphosate spring-applied alone provided only 35% to 68% foxtail barley control. The fall glyphosate application was the most important application, given that foxtail barley is a perennial grass. A photo showing control is included in the report.

Plateau is labeled for control of foxtail barley (Hordeum jubatum) in pastures, rangeland and noncrop areas. The Plateau label identifies foxtail barley as squirrel tail barley (Hordeum jubatum). The label recommends 8 to 12 fluid ounces per acre applied in the spring to vegetative and actively growing foxtail barley. Add MSO-type adjuvant at 1% volume/volume for increased herbicide enhancement.

Source: NDSU Crop and Pest Report