No. 78 May 2008 Hairgrass (Vulpia Spp.). What Do We Know? a Review of the Literature
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WEEDS, PESTS & DISEASES No. 78 May 2008 Hairgrass (Vulpia spp.). What do we know? A review of the literature. Key Points • In New Zealand the common name ‘hairgrass’ combines three individual Vulpia species (Vulpia bromoides, V. myuros and V. Megalura). • The individual species are very difficult to identify, with the seed head being the easiest feature to separate the species. • Typically germination follows a 2-3 month dormancy which breaks when monthly rainfall exceeds evaporation. • Germination occurs both in light and dark conditions; however germination is more rapid and uniform in the light. • Seedling emergence from the relatively shallow depth of 5cm is considerably less than 0-1 cm. • An integrated approach including cultivation, chemical and crop rotation is required for sustained control of Vulpia spp. • The relationship between burial through cultivation on seed dormancy and viability is not clear and will be the focus of future FAR funded research. • Chemical control can be difficult and will continue to be a focus of FAR trial work. Introduction Vulpia spp. has been increasingly common on Vulpia spp. are a problem in New Zealand in small arable farms in Canterbury in recent years. seed crops as they contaminate seed and reduce seed yield. As part of understanding annual grass weeds in Climate cropping rotations, a literature review on Vulpia Vulpia species can survive and reproduce over a hairgrass was undertaken. The aim of this review was wide range of climatic conditions; however to identify gaps in the knowledge which could allow Mediterranean type climates appear most FAR to establish research priorities. This update aims favourable. Cool winters followed by warm to summarise the international research on this annual springs and the absence of drought appear ideal grassweed and provide an understanding of biology so but both species have been collected in areas some control measures can be established. ranging from 200–1200mm annual rainfall (Wallace 1997). Plants are shallow rooted and Three Vulpia species are recorded as present in New therefore sensitive to drought however the annual Zealand. These are, Vulpia bromoides and V. myuros, lifecycle reduces the prospects of death during also known as squirrel-tail and rat’s-tail fescue drought. respectively, (Wallace 1997) and V. megalura (uncommon) (Edgar and Connor 2000). In New Soil type Zealand these three species are collectively known as Vulpia plants grow on a wide range of soil types Vulpia hairgrass, other common names include silver and fertility levels where soil pH ranges from 4.5- grass and silky grass. 9. Surveys in Australia have shown Vulpia to grow mainly on light to medium textured soils Vulpia spp. can often be confused with toad rush (slightly acidic), and characterised by low to (Juncus bufonius); however usually only under moist moderate phosphate and potassium status. soil conditions. It can also be confused with fine leaved Vulpia myuros (and most likely V. bromoides) has fescues e.g. chewings fescue (Festuca nigricans) or been shown to tolerate soils with low potassium, red fescue (Festuca rubra) etc. phosphorus and nitrogen status. At the same time Vulpia species have been shown to survive and 1. Habitat reproduce under higher fertility environments with low-inter species competition. Under high fertility, Distribution is usually on dry, open, infertile soils V. myuros and V. bromoides are likely to suffer while being abundant in waste places e.g. fence competition from species such as Italian ryegrass lines and light pastures throughout New Zealand. (Lolium multiflorum) (Wallace 1997); however ryegrass sowing rates on arable farms are unlikely to Phenology (progression to flowering and seed set) produce crop plant populations high enough to induce The conditions required for floral initiation include competition severe enough for Vulpia plant death. exposure to a period of cool conditions (vernalisation response). Vulpia bromoides appears to flower over a wide range of day lengths, between 8–16 hours. Vulpia bromoides can produce numerous ears at temperatures of 25/15°C (day/night temperatures) compared to very few by V. myuros under the same conditions. For any significant production of ears, V. myuros required exposure to short days (8 hours) and cool temperatures (18/10°C). In both species flowering was inhibited by high temperatures (28/20°C) (Dillion and Forcella 1984). New Zealand conditions appear favourable for both species to produce large numbers of seed heads and therefore return high levels of seed to the soil seed bank. Flowering occurs in the spring with both species flowering at similar times. The period from flowering to seed maturity varies from Figure 1. Young Vulpia spp. plants photographed 120 seven to 30 days depending on environmental days after planting, FAR Arable Site 2007 conditions. Seeds are shed shortly after maturity and are dislodged by wind or mechanical/animal 2. Growth and development disturbance. Vulpia spp. are prolific seeders and will typically produce more seed than is required Perennation to maintain the current plant population. Vulpia myuros and Vulpia bromoides are true annuals and survive adverse conditions as seeds e.g. high Seed Dormancy temperatures and drought. Under favourable Seed dormancy occurs in Vulpia spp. and has conditions some plants may survive into the second been reported by various authors. It is common year. Vulpia species seed prolifically in late spring to for a 2-3 month after ripening period (dormancy) mid summer. to be required for germination to proceed under field conditions. This can be extended in dry Germination climates and where temperatures are high. Most shed seed is located near the soil surface (except Dormancy is usually broken when monthly rainfall on cultivated soils). Under field conditions the seeds of exceeds pan evaporation under Australian V. myuros and V. bromoides typically have a seed conditions (Wallace 1997). The majority of seed dormancy of between 2 and 3 months (Wallace 1997). germinates readily and uniformly assuming Typically germination takes place when rainfall dormancy is broken and soil moisture is adequate exceeds evaporation (March – May under New (Dillon and Forcella 1984). Zealand conditions). Dillon and Forcella (1984) showed that exposure to light during the germination 3. Chemical control phase increased the temperature range for optimum germination. However maximum germination Chemical (FAR trials) percentage was achieved over a wide range of FAR has conducted several herbicide trials where temperatures, from 12–23°C for both species in hairgrass has been included. Consistent darkness, and 12-31°C and 9-28°C in light for V. performers against hairgrass have been Nortron myuros and V. bromoides respectively. Light and Gardoprim. Other chemicals which have stimulated both species to germinate more rapidly and proved useful include Sencor, Teedal, Karmex, more evenly over a wide range of temperatures. Kerb Flo and Avadex. Physiology Nortron at 2 l/ha provides an effective control Dillon and Forcella (1984) studied the growth rates of option in ryegrass seed crops when applied pre both hairgrass species over a range of temperatures emergence. Increased rates may provide longer and photoperiods. For the initial growth period (7–10 lasting control in high risk situations. weeks) high temperatures and long photoperiods led to the greatest growth rates. Both species responded in Gardoprim has shown good control in two very a similar manner, however V. myuros usually had a contrasting seasons at 1.5 l/ha. In 2005 (warm greater growth rate compared to V. bromoides. Overall and dry) efficacy was reduced when the rate was low temperatures (18ºC day temperature and 10ºC cut to 0.75 l/ha. In 2006 good control was shown night temperature, 18/10ºC), with 8 hour photoperiods at 0.75 l/ha under cold, wet soil conditions. were optimum for growth of Vulpia spp. Plants grown under these conditions were 50–100% larger when Kerb and Teedal are both registered for the compared to those grown under either 23/15ºC or control of hairgrass but have been inconsistent in 28/20ºC. FAR trials; perhaps this is related to application timing (see Arable Extra No. 76). Winter applications 4. Cultural control were more effective than set growth stage timings. These results are supported by international literature. Cultivation and seed burial Vulpia bromoides and V. myuros germinate over a Atrazine has shown promise in controlling hairgrass wide range of temperatures provided dormancy and could possibly be used in second year ryegrass, requirements of 2–3 months have been met. tall fescue and other tolerant crops. Germination is a biological process and temperature regulates the rate of germination Chemical (literature search) while darkness retards germination of V. Vulpia species are tolerant to many of the ‘grass killer’ bromoides somewhat more than V. myuros. herbicides and therefore may require other chemical Similarly the seedling emergence from a relatively groups. shallow sowing depth of 5 cm is much less than either 0 or 1cm (Dillon and Forcella 1984). The Simazine is effective against both V.myuros and V. inability of both species to tolerate relatively bromoides and has potential usage in grain-legume shallow burial is perhaps the main reason why and other crops. The rates suggested vary between these species are seen as an increasing problem 0.25 and 2.4 kg/ha active ingredient (a.i.) when applied in Canterbury as reduced tillage increases. Under during autumn under pre-emergence conditions in conventional systems burial through ploughing Australia (Wallace 1997). The large variation in results would reduce plant emergence. The necessity of is likely to be related to soil organic matter levels and light for rapid germination and emergence may soil moisture status. The rate required to control explain why minimal tillage and direct drilled crops hairgrass on soils with high organic matter levels will are at greater risk compared to ploughed areas.