Downy Brome

Downy Brome is an invasive weed that is native to Eurasia and was introduced to the United States around 1861. Farmers started calling it �Cheatgrass� because it cheated them out of their crops.

Downy Brome was introduced to the United States through contaminated shipments and has spread throughout the country. It impacts infected areas by crowding out native grasses and creates substantial wildfire hazards.

Downy Brome invades the following habitats:

Abandoned Farmlands

Overgrazed Ranges

Farm & Ranch Buildings

Railroads

Roadsides

Germination:

In fields Downy Brome seeds germinate in fall, winter, and spring. Most of the seeds will germinate within one year of maturation. Downy Brome evolved in rangelands therefore is adapted to that type of environment. As a result, the seed germinates easily on the soil surface and less affectively when buried.

Control: The three types of controls for Downy Brome are:

Biological Controls

Mechanical Controls

Chemical Controls