Suppression of <i>Bromus sterilis</i> L. in winter cereals - Evaluation of field trials in the states Brandenburg, Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt and Thuringia

Abstract

Bromus sterilis (barren brom, sterile brome) is currently not a first grade weed in the eastern regions of Germany but is strongly benefited by a cereal dominated crop rotation and an ongoing reduced or ploughless tillage. To control the increasing problem of Bromus sterilis there are only a few registered herbicides available at the moment in Germany but some tested non-registered herbicides showed a good efficacy against this grass weed. According to the registration only suppression to get an adequate crop management is an accepted target for the use of herbicides. To elaborate recommendations for farmers a set of studies carried out in Brandenburg, Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt and Thuringia was analysed. In those studies the efficacy of HRAC B-, F1-, K1-, K3- and N-herbicides were assessed after single treatments in autumn or application series in autumn and spring. Autumns applications of soil herbicides were mostly less successful. Treatment series were more effective than single applications. The sequence Atlantis WG (iodosulfuron + mesosulfuron +additive) applied in autumn and followed by Attribut (propoxycarbazone) in spring showed as the most successful herbicide combination. In order to counter a further efficient control of Bromus sterilis and a prevention of herbicide resistance the right choice of non-chemical controlling measures such as tillage on erosion endangered areas, multiple crop rotation and late autumn drilling are essential measures in the process of integrated pest management.