Annual phalaris
Phalaris paradoxa
Annual phalaris is an aggressive annual grass weed that is generally a more serious problem in northern New South Wales and southern Queensland than in other cropping areas. It prefers alluvial, sandy-clay or clay texture soils with high soil moisture.
Description
Tufted plants with flat-bladed, hairless leaves and red-purple colouring both at the base and around the nodes. Annual phalaris seedlings have a red base and are thinner than wild oats, wheat or barley seedlings.
Control
Annual phalaris is very competitive and can produce a very large number of seeds – up to 21,000 seeds per plant. Dense sowing of wheat or barley can help suppress seed production, and delayed sowing can improve control.
Pre-emergent use of Sakura&® generally provides high levels of control. Atlantis® and Hussar® OD are registered for post-emergent control, although – as Group A and B herbicides – some populations may be resistant to them.
