THE CHEMICAL CONTROL OF BARLEY GRASS IN DRYLAND LUCERNE

In a field trial, different doses of five herbicides applied in autumn and late winder were compared for the control of barley grass (Hordeum leporium Link) in dryland Lucerne. Diuron at 1·1, 2·2, and 4·5 kg/ha and atrazine at 1·1 kg/ha were more effective in increasing Lucerne production than linuron at 4·5 kg/ha and various rates of dalapon and paraquat. Autumn application generally resulted in greater Lucerne production than late winter application. Most treatments reduced the amount of barley grass in the Lucerne. Diuron and atrazine also eliminated reduced the amount of barley grass in the Lucerne. Atrazine, diuron and linuron had a strong residual effect and reduced the density of subterranean clover and barley grass in the autumn following treatment.