The influence of tillage, stubble management and crop rotation on the persistence of great brome (Bromus diandrus Roth)

Abstract

Infestations of great brome, Bromus diandrus Roth, in a long-term tillage, stubble management and crop rotation trial were studied over 3 years at the Agricultural Research Institute, Wagga Wagga. Herbicides were effective in removing great brome from lupin but this did not prevent carryover to the following wheat crop. Over all years, in the wheat-lupin rotations, burning of stubble significantly reduced great brome infestation in the wheat phase by approximately 39%, while 3 cultivations prior to sowing reduced infestation by approximately 43%. The greatest infestation occurred where direct drilled wheat followed wheat with stubble retained. In a continuous wheat system, a combination of burning and 3 cultivations maintained great brome populations at a low level.