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Bromus control

Harold, I'm assuming you're working with these in Texas (area code 940).  On a 
general note, you have to be careful with info from further North as our 
conditions here are different.  At this point in time (early June), both 
species of brome have set seed and died.  If you mow now you'll only distribute 
the seeds.  Argentine brome (unioloides) is well adapted to grazing/mowing 
anyway - it will produce seed laterally at ground level.

I've observed both species to be killed only by very hot fires.  It's important 
to note that many of the warm-season grasses are usually in some stage of green 
Feb to Dec here in Texas, leaving January as the "preferred" burn month for 
promoting warm-season grasses.  Of course, there are dozens of plants that 
actively grow through the winter - bluebonnets (Lupinis texensis) being an 
obvious example - and fire will kill or injure them.  

Since fire isn't an option for you, though, here's my experience:  on a small 
scale, hand pulling in January and February (just before bloom) works very well 
(no suprise, but what an effort!).  On a large scale, try increasing 
competition by planting native winter grasses.  Our choices include Texas 
wintergrass (Nasella leucotricha), Texas bluegrass (Poa arachnifera), both 
native ryes (Elymus canadensis and virginicus), and Ozark grass (Limnodea 
arkansana).

Scott Lenharth
Native Prairies Association of TX




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