Yellow Foxtail in Grape Plantings
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Yellow foxtail (Setaria pumila, syn S. glauca) is a summer annual found in a wide range of soil conditions. Its yellow-tan, bristly seedheads distinguish it from green foxtail (Setaria viridis) and giant foxtail (Setaria faberi). Leaves are 5 to 10 inches long and ½ inch wide at the base. Leaves are mostly smooth, except for a few white hairs clustered near the leaf base. Yellow foxtail can be difficult to control if allowed to set seed because it is a prolific seed producer. Cultivation is difficult because of the extensive, fibrous root system. Populations resistant to ALS-herbicides and photosystem II-Inhibitors have been reported in the United States.
Yellow foxtail flower heads.
(Photo: Robert Videki, Doronicum Kft., Bugwood.org)
Management:
- Mow before seed set.
- Apply pre-emergent herbicides or herbicides selective for grasses.
