The winter annual downy brome is growing aggressively in turf stands currently, almost twice as fast as the desired Kentucky bluegrass or tall fescue (photo). Downey brome is fairly easily identified at this time of the year by its hairy leaves and sheaths and it has a split collar with jagged membranous ligule (photo). It is often seen in thinner stands or in turf seeded the previous fall. It is a primarily a winter annual in Indiana , which means it should be dying with the heat of summer. Regular mowing is most effective right now to mask, and no herbicides are needed to control.
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