Introduction
 Downy brome is a winter annual grass.  It can become a problem on rangeland but it is also a problem for winter wheat producers.  Downy brome is thought to have come from Eurasia and the Mediterranean via contaminated seed in the late 1800’s.  it was also intentionally introduced in 1898 when a Pullman, Washington college was trying to find a new grass for the area.  Downy brome now occupies most of the 48 contiguous states.

Environmental Impacts
 Downy brome germinates early in the spring.  It germinates before many native cool season grasses.  This allows it to overtake habitats before the native grasses are established enough to compete with the downy brome.  The lush growth it achieves in the spring provides good forage for any livestock that may graze it.  However, once it goes to seed it dries up and leaves the land barren.  Downy brome tends to put on seed early in the season leaving the land empty for the majority of the growing season.  The result is unproductive land with a high susceptibility to fire.

Remedial Action
 Chemical control is one of the best ways to control downy brome.  Any non-selective herbicide such as glyphosate can be sprayed on a stand of downy brome in the early spring to control downy brome.  If it is sprayed before the native perennial grasses emerge the downy brome will be controlled and the perennial grasses will be given a chance to become established.