The Big Sandy Mountaineer -

Fall Management of Cheatgrass in Fallow

Cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum), also commonly called downy brome, is a problematic weed in winter wheat and in rangeland throughout Montana. Cheatgrass typically germinates in the autumn, overwinters, and produces seed by mid-summer. The cheatgrass life cycle is similar to winter wheat which makes it a problematic weed in winter wheat fields. Cheatgrass is an abundant seed producer. Seed is only viable for one to two years in the seedbank.

Cheatgrass typically germinates from late August to early October and matures in early July. Cheatgrass can establish...