Biology and Control of Jointed Goatgrass (Aegilops cylindrica), a Review

Abstract

Jointed goatgrass is a winter annual grass weed which is believed to have been introduced into North America as a contaminant in winter wheat seed. Although jointed goatgrass was first discovered in some states early in the 20th century, changing wheat production practices during the past 25 yr have encouraged its spread and increase. Winter wheat producers in the western United States are concerned about the lack of adequate selective control measures for this weed. Jointed goatgrass and wheat share the D chromosome in common and have similar growth habits. Jointed goatgrass lowers winter wheat yield by competing for growth requirements, reducing harvesting efficiency, and lowering crop quality by contaminating harvested grain. Jointed goatgrass is well adapted to stubble-mulch or reduced tillage crop production, particularly in regions where climate limits cropping options to the winter wheat-fallow rotation or continuous wheat. This review summarizes jointed goatgrass seed germination, dormancy, physiology, yield loss estimates in winter wheat, and both herbicidal and non-chemical methods of managing jointed goatgrass.