Foxtail is a common weed that can be found in pastures and hay fields. It can cause ulcers and infections in the mouths of livestock such as horses, cattle, and other animals. Livestock can graze on foxtail when it is young and in the vegetative growth stage, but it becomes less palatable and potentially harmful when it matures. It is important to identify the different species of foxtail for effective control. There are annual species, including giant foxtail, green foxtail, and yellow foxtail, which can be controlled with herbicides. There is also a perennial species called knotroot foxtail, which requires spot applications of glyphosate for control.
- Foxtail is a weed that can cause ulcers and infections in livestock.
- Livestock can graze on young foxtail, but it becomes less palatable and potentially harmful when mature.
- Different species of foxtail require different control methods.
- Annual foxtail species can be controlled with herbicides.
- Perennial knotroot foxtail requires spot applications of glyphosate for control.
The Effects of Foxtail on Livestock
Foxtail, a common weed found in pastures and hay fields, can have detrimental effects on livestock when ingested. The sharp bristles, or awns, of foxtail can become lodged in the gums and tongues of animals, leading to infections and ulcers. This can cause animals to reject feed, resulting in reduced intake, weight gain, and milk production. It is crucial to prevent livestock from consuming foxtail-infested hay or grazing on mature foxtail plants to avoid these negative effects.
Table:
| Effects of Foxtail on Livestock | Consequences |
|---|---|
| Infections and ulcers | Reduced intake, weight gain, and milk production |
Ingesting foxtail can be particularly harmful to grazing animals. When the awns become lodged in their mouths, the resulting pain and discomfort can lead to decreased feeding and subsequent weight loss. Livestock that graze on mature foxtail plants are at higher risk of experiencing these negative effects. It is essential for farmers and ranchers to implement effective foxtail control strategies to protect the health and productivity of their livestock.
Preventing livestock from consuming foxtail-infested hay is equally important. The presence of foxtail in hay can lead to oral injuries and infections in animals, further impacting their ability to eat and thrive. Hay that is properly inspected and free from foxtail contamination can help mitigate these risks and ensure the overall well-being of the livestock.
The Importance of Foxtail Control
Controlling Foxtail in Grasses
Foxtail is a problematic weed that can invade pastures and hay fields, posing a risk to livestock. To effectively control foxtail in grasses, such as Bermuda and bahia, a combination of pre-emergent and post-emergent herbicides can be used.
For pre-emergent control, pendimethalin (Prowl H2O) is commonly recommended. It helps prevent foxtail seeds from germinating and establishing in the grasses. Apply the herbicide according to the recommended rates and timing to maximize control.
Post-emergent control of foxtail in grasses can be achieved using specific herbicides, such as imazapic (Impose) and nicosulfuron+metsulfuron (Pastora). These herbicides target actively growing foxtail plants and help reduce their population. However, it’s important to note that these herbicides may have some negative effects on Bermuda grass, so cautious application is advised.
When selective post-emergent control is not possible, spot applications of glyphosate can be used in grasses like bahia or millet. Glyphosate is a non-selective herbicide that can effectively kill foxtail plants. However, be careful to avoid impacting desirable grasses or vegetation surrounding the foxtail-infested areas.
Table: Recommended Herbicides for Controlling Foxtail in Grasses
| Herbicide | Pre-emergent Control | Post-emergent Control |
|---|---|---|
| Pendimethalin (Prowl H2O) | Yes | No |
| Imazapic (Impose) | No | Yes |
| Nicosulfuron+metsulfuron (Pastora) | No | Yes |
| Glyphosate | No | Spot Applications |
Table provides an overview of the recommended herbicides for controlling foxtail in grasses.
Controlling Knotroot Foxtail
Knotroot foxtail, the perennial species of foxtail, can be challenging to control. Traditional herbicides like imazapic or nicosulfuron+metsulfuron are ineffective against this particular species. However, research has shown that a tank mix of glyphosate with Pastora can suppress knotroot foxtail growth during the summer months. It’s important to note that regrowth may still occur, so spot applications of glyphosate are often necessary for effective control.
If we take a look at the different control methods available for knotroot foxtail, we can summarize them in the following table:
| Control Method | Effectiveness | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Tank mix of glyphosate with Pastora | Suppression during summer | Regrowth may occur |
| Spot applications of glyphosate | Effective control | Spot treatment required |
As you can see, a tank mix of glyphosate with Pastora can provide some level of suppression, but it may not completely eliminate knotroot foxtail. Spot applications of glyphosate, on the other hand, can offer more effective control, but it requires targeted treatment to specific areas where knotroot foxtail is present.
Overall, managing knotroot foxtail infestations requires a combination of control methods and ongoing monitoring. By understanding the limitations of traditional herbicides and utilizing spot applications of glyphosate, farmers can effectively control knotroot foxtail and reduce its negative impact on pastures and hay fields.
Foxtail Control in Broadleaf Forage
When it comes to managing foxtail infestations in broadleaf forage, there are effective control methods available. Selective grass herbicides like Select and Poast can be used to control foxtail in broadleaf forage such as alfalfa or perennial peanut. These herbicides target the foxtail while sparing the broadleaf forage, allowing for effective control without harming the desired crops.
Another herbicide option for foxtail control in perennial peanut is Impose. This herbicide specifically targets foxtail, providing targeted control without damaging the perennial peanut crop.
By utilizing these selective herbicides, farmers can effectively control foxtail in their broadleaf forage, ensuring the health and productivity of their crops. It is important to carefully follow the instructions and recommendations provided by the manufacturer when using herbicides to ensure proper application and minimize any potential negative effects.
Table: Foxtail Control Methods in Broadleaf Forage
| Herbicide | Targeted Crop | Effective Against Foxtail |
|---|---|---|
| Select | Alfalfa | Yes |
| Poast | Alfalfa | Yes |
| Impose | Perennial Peanut | Yes |
Using these selective herbicides not only helps control foxtail but also promotes the growth and health of broadleaf forage crops. By effectively managing foxtail, farmers can ensure optimal forage production, leading to increased profitability and sustainability.
Suppression of Foxtail Barley on Saline Land
Foxtail barley is a persistent weed that can cause significant issues in both crop production and livestock grazing. It tends to invade bare areas, particularly those with saline soils. Controlling foxtail barley on saline land is crucial to maintaining optimal pasture and crop quality. Thankfully, there are effective methods for suppressing its growth and preventing its spread.
To suppress foxtail barley on saline land, one highly recommended approach is the use of suppressor forages. These specially selected forages, such as AC Saltlander green wheatgrass and slender and green wheatgrass, are known for their ability to outcompete and suppress the growth of foxtail barley. By establishing these suppressor forages in saline areas, farmers can create a more favorable environment that hinders the growth and spread of foxtail barley.
Proper seedbed preparation and establishment techniques are essential for successful control of foxtail barley on saline land. Farmers should ensure that the suppressor forages are given the best possible conditions to thrive, including adequate soil moisture and fertility. By carefully managing the establishment process, farmers can maximize the effectiveness of suppressor forages in controlling foxtail barley and enhancing the overall productivity of their land.
Table: Comparison of Suppressor Forages for Foxtail Barley Control
| Suppressor Forage | Growth Habit | Competitiveness | Forage Quality |
|---|---|---|---|
| AC Saltlander green wheatgrass | Creeping perennial | Highly competitive | Excellent |
| Slender wheatgrass | Bunchgrass | Moderately competitive | Good |
| Green wheatgrass | Bunchgrass | Moderately competitive | Good |
The table above provides a comparison of different suppressor forages commonly used for foxtail barley control. AC Saltlander green wheatgrass stands out as a creeping perennial with high competitiveness and excellent forage quality. It is particularly effective in suppressing the growth of foxtail barley on saline land. Slender wheatgrass and green wheatgrass, although less competitive, also offer decent control capabilities and provide suitable forage quality.
By incorporating suppressor forages into their foxtail barley management strategies, farmers can effectively suppress the growth of this troublesome weed, improve forage production, and prevent the negative impacts associated with foxtail barley infestations on saline land.
The Benefits of Using Suppressor Forages
When it comes to controlling foxtail barley, using suppressor forages has proven to be highly beneficial. These specialized forages, such as AC Saltlander green wheatgrass and slender and green wheatgrass, offer a natural and cost-effective method of suppressing foxtail barley growth. The use of suppressor forages reduces the need for expensive herbicides, resulting in decreased treatment costs for farmers.
One of the key advantages of using suppressor forages is their positive impact on livestock. By controlling foxtail barley, these forages minimize the risk of infections and ulcers in grazing animals, leading to improved weight gain and overall health. This not only benefits the animals but also enhances profitability for farmers, as higher weight gain translates to increased market value.
Another significant benefit of using suppressor forages is the reduction in weed seed transfer. Foxtail barley produces a large number of seeds that can contaminate hay and spread to other areas, leading to further infestations. By suppressing foxtail barley growth with suppressor forages, farmers can decrease the quantity of weed seeds available and prevent their transfer, thus improving overall weed control in their fields.
Table: Benefits of Using Suppressor Forages
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Reduces herbicide dependency | Using suppressor forages decreases the need for costly herbicides, resulting in cost savings for farmers. |
| Improves livestock health | Suppressor forages help prevent infections and ulcers in grazing animals, leading to improved weight gain and overall health. |
| Minimizes weed seed transfer | By suppressing foxtail barley growth, suppressor forages reduce the quantity of weed seeds available for transfer, improving overall weed control. |
| Increases profitability | Improved weight gain in livestock and reduced herbicide costs contribute to increased profitability for farmers. |
In addition to these benefits, suppressor forages like AC Saltlander are suitable for grazing and offer comparable animal gains and forage quality. This ensures that farmers not only have an effective method of controlling foxtail barley but also obtain high-quality forage for their livestock. By incorporating suppressor forages into their management practices, farmers can effectively control foxtail barley while reaping the many advantages these forages offer.
Conclusion
In conclusion, foxtail can pose significant health risks to livestock, including the development of ulcers and infections. It is crucial for farmers to implement effective control measures to manage foxtail infestations and protect the well-being of their animals.
By utilizing herbicide applications, farmers can prevent livestock from consuming foxtail-infested hay or grazing on mature plants, minimizing the negative effects on feed intake, weight gain, and milk production. It is also important to identify the different species of foxtail and choose the appropriate control methods accordingly.
Another method for controlling foxtail is the use of suppressor forages, such as AC Saltlander green wheatgrass. Not only do these forages help suppress foxtail growth, but they also offer additional benefits such as reducing the need for costly herbicides, improving weight gain in grazing animals, and increasing forage production.
Overall, by implementing proper control strategies and utilizing the appropriate control methods, farmers can effectively manage foxtail infestations, ensuring the health and productivity of their livestock while minimizing the negative effects of this harmful weed.
