Teff grass (Eragrostis tef) is originally from Ethiopia and has gained a lot of interest in Arizona. This crop is planted between vegetables and grows under different conditions and soil types. It is a fast-growing crop and can be harvested multiple times. According to the Teff Grass Crop Overview and Forage Production Guide from 2007-09 in California it was cut an average of 4 times yielding 6.89 tons/acre. The palatability to livestock is good and some report that its preferred over other traditional grass hays1.
There is also a need for good weed control in Teff grass to satisfy buyers.
One herbicide that was tested for postemergence broadleaf weed control and crop safety is Simplicity (pyroxulam). A 24(c) Special Local Need Registration was extended for this product. Also, another product that is successfully used in our area for broadleaf weed control is Clarity (dicamba).
Teff is grown during the summer between other crops that could be susceptible to residue of herbicides, and it is important that any herbicide that is used doesn’t have long-term soil activity.
We conducted a trial last summer in the Yuma Valley to evaluate the crop safety of pyroxulam, dicamba and other herbicides. Our results for pyroxulam were consistent with the injury observed in the visual ratings obtained by B.J. Hinds-Cook, D.W. Curtis, A.G. Hulting and C.A. Mallory-Smith with a 10% recorded2.
Also, efficacy for the control Purslane (Portulaca oleracea) was evaluated. The following chart shows data obtained.