25.09.2017
Italian rye-grass is prevalent in non-inversion tillage systems. It germinates in uncultivated stubble in the presence of light. Most seed germinates in the autumn (94%) so leave seed on the surface and spray off with glyphosate prior to drilling.
Conventional and Strip Tillage (establishment) techniques are appropriate when considering this weed. Note detailed comments on establishment.
As germination is predominantly in the autumn delaying drilling until October/November can significantly reduce populations.
Shallow cultivations may place the seed into darkness where secondary dormancy can develop. The seedbank is not long-lived (2-3 years) so there is little benefit from cultivations stimulating buried (old) seeds to germinate.
Seeds buried below 6cm (for example by ploughing) will be prevented from emerging.
A two year fallow should virtually deplete the seedbank.
Ploughing
Ploughing – If shallow tillage has been generally used, a plough pass will help to give a ‘clean start’ and allow future season shallow operations to be most effective. Ploughing is the preferred method to control this weed if high populations exist if ploughing fully inverts and buries the surface seed bank. Plough to a depth of 15/20cm. Repeated ploughing should be avoided the following year. Effective burial by
AT ALL COSTS avoid: