Yellow Foxtail and Smooth Brome are two of the most invasive and competitive grassy weeds that can take over fields, lawns, and crop areas if not controlled effectively. These weeds not only compete for water and nutrients but also reduce crop yields, lower forage quality, and damage soil health.
Effective weed management requires the use of reliable herbicides designed to target these specific weeds without causing harm to desirable plants. Choosing the best herbicide for Yellow Foxtail and Smooth Brome depends on the type of land you’re treating, the stage of weed growth, and the surrounding crops or vegetation.
Some herbicides are selective, targeting grassy weeds without affecting broadleaf plants, while others are non-selective and wipe out everything they touch. Understanding the strengths and limitations of each herbicide ensures you make the right decision for your field or lawn.
In this article, we’ll explore 12 of the best herbicides for tackling Yellow Foxtail and Smooth Brome to help you evaluate them based on efficiency, affordability, and practicality.
12 Best Herbicide For Yellow Foxtail And Smooth Brome
1. Glyphosate – Best Non-Selective Herbicide for Broad Use
Glyphosate is one of the most well-known herbicides for controlling a wide variety of weeds, including Yellow Foxtail and Smooth Brome. Its non-selective nature ensures that it eliminates both perennial and annual grasses effectively. Farmers and homeowners often prefer glyphosate for its proven results and wide application.
This herbicide works by being absorbed through the leaves, moving down to the roots, and killing the plant entirely. For best results, it should be applied when weeds are actively growing. While it clears the land effectively, it also means desirable plants will be affected if accidentally sprayed.
Glyphosate is ideal for clearing overgrown areas before planting crops or renovating pastures. It is also useful for spot treatment in non-crop areas such as driveways or fence lines. However, its effectiveness depends heavily on timing and proper application.
Pros:
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Kills roots
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Broad spectrum
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Affordable option
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Widely available
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Proven results
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Easy mixing
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Non-soil residual
Cons:
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Non-selective
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Weather sensitive
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Resistance issues
2. Clethodim – Best Selective Grass Herbicide
Clethodim is a selective herbicide that specifically targets grassy weeds like Yellow Foxtail and Smooth Brome without harming broadleaf crops. This makes it an excellent option for fields planted with soybeans, alfalfa, and vegetables. Its selectivity is one of its greatest advantages in weed control programs.
It works by inhibiting fatty acid synthesis in grassy weeds, leading to their gradual death. Farmers often use it when Yellow Foxtail populations become overwhelming in sensitive crops. Proper dosage and application timing are crucial for maximum results.
Since Clethodim is foliar-absorbed, weeds should be actively growing at the time of spraying. It may take 7–14 days for visible results, but its precision ensures valuable crops remain safe.
Pros:
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Selective action
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Safe for crops
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Strong grass control
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Low toxicity
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Compatible mixes
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Minimal soil impact
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Good for rotations
Cons:
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Slow results
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Costly option
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Limited spectrum
3. Quinclorac – Best Post-Emergent for Yellow Foxtail
Quinclorac is a powerful post-emergent herbicide especially effective against Yellow Foxtail. It disrupts cell wall growth in grasses, causing weeds to yellow, weaken, and eventually die. Lawn owners and farmers often rely on it for its proven ability to handle stubborn foxtail infestations.
This herbicide is highly valued for turf and lawn use since it spares most broadleaf species. Smooth Brome can also be suppressed effectively with multiple applications. Timing is essential, as weeds must be young and actively growing for full impact.
Quinclorac also provides some residual soil activity, preventing re-germination for several weeks. This makes it a long-lasting solution compared to contact herbicides.
Pros:
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Strong on foxtail
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Residual action
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Turf safe
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Quick visible results
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Broadleaf safe
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Long-lasting
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Easy application
Cons:
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Multiple sprays
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Sensitive crops
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Higher price
4. Fenoxaprop-P – Best Turf Grass Herbicide
Fenoxaprop-P is another selective herbicide formulated for controlling grassy weeds in turf, lawns, and golf courses. It is highly effective on Yellow Foxtail and Smooth Brome when they are in early stages. Its selectivity ensures ornamental lawns remain intact while weeds are eliminated.
This herbicide disrupts lipid synthesis in grassy weeds, making it particularly efficient in professional lawn care. Applications should be made when weeds are young and conditions are moist for absorption.
Although highly effective, it requires careful calibration to avoid turf stress. When used correctly, it provides fast and visible results, keeping lawns clean and weed-free.
Pros:
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Turf safe
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Fast results
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Strong foxtail kill
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Selective action
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Easy mixing
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Professional use
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Low soil impact
Cons:
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Turf stress risk
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Limited crops
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Repeated sprays
5. Atrazine – Best Pre- and Post-Emergent Option
Atrazine is a versatile herbicide that works both pre-emergent and post-emergent, making it effective on Yellow Foxtail and Smooth Brome. It is widely used in cornfields and rangeland management. Its dual action gives farmers flexibility in weed management programs.
When applied pre-emergent, it prevents seed germination of invasive grasses. As a post-emergent, it disrupts photosynthesis, causing the weeds to wither. Proper application timing maximizes its potential.
Atrazine also offers soil residual activity, keeping weeds suppressed for weeks. However, it should be used carefully to avoid water contamination risks.
Pros:
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Dual action
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Long residual
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Corn safe
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Broad spectrum
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Cost effective
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Flexible use
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Reduces pressure
Cons:
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Environmental risk
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Resistance issues
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Crop limits
6. Imazethapyr – Best Systemic Herbicide for Pastures
Imazethapyr is highly effective in controlling Smooth Brome and Yellow Foxtail across rangeland and pasture systems. Its systemic action ensures weeds are killed from root to shoot. It is particularly valued in rotational systems due to its selectivity.
This herbicide works by inhibiting the acetolactate synthase enzyme in plants, stopping their growth completely. Weeds may take 10–20 days to show symptoms but are eliminated thoroughly.
Its long-lasting residual action provides season-long control when properly applied. However, rotational restrictions should be followed carefully to avoid affecting sensitive crops.
Pros:
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Long control
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Root kill
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Pasture safe
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Selective use
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Effective systemic
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Reduced re-growth
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Compatible mixes
Cons:
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Delayed results
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Rotation limits
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Costly choice
7. Fluazifop-P – Best Selective Option for Broadleaf Fields
Fluazifop-P is a selective herbicide designed to manage grassy weeds like Yellow Foxtail and Smooth Brome in broadleaf crops. It ensures that soybean, cotton, and vegetable fields remain protected while targeting invasive grasses. Its specificity is ideal for mixed farming systems.
This herbicide acts by disrupting fatty acid synthesis in grassy weeds. Symptoms usually appear within 7–12 days after spraying. Farmers often value it for its consistent results across different conditions.
Fluazifop-P requires accurate application and sometimes tank mixing for broader coverage. It remains a top choice for selective weed management in crop systems.
Pros:
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Selective control
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Crop safe
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Reliable action
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Broad coverage
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Easy handling
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Effective systemic
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Minimal soil effect
Cons:
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Slower action
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Tank mix need
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Expensive option
8. Sethoxydim – Best Herbicide for Soybean Fields
Sethoxydim is a post-emergent herbicide excellent for controlling Yellow Foxtail and Smooth Brome in soybean and alfalfa fields. Its selectivity ensures broadleaf crops remain unaffected while grassy weeds are eliminated. It is especially preferred in rotational farming systems.
This herbicide works by halting lipid synthesis in grassy weeds, leading to their decline. Farmers should apply it when weeds are small and actively growing for the best results.
Although effective, Sethoxydim may require additional treatments to control dense infestations. Its role in integrated weed management makes it a valuable tool for farmers.
Pros:
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Selective option
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Soybean safe
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Broadleaf friendly
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Effective systemic
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Proven reliability
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Easy spraying
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Compatible mixes
Cons:
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Multiple sprays
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Slower action
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High cost
9. Pendimethalin – Best Pre-Emergent Herbicide
Pendimethalin is a pre-emergent herbicide effective in preventing the germination of Yellow Foxtail and Smooth Brome. It is highly recommended for agricultural fields, lawns, and landscapes. Its soil activity makes it a preventive solution against grassy weed outbreaks.
This herbicide works by inhibiting cell division in weed seeds, stopping them before emergence. Farmers often use it to protect crops like corn, wheat, and turf.
Pendimethalin is valued for its long-lasting soil protection but requires precise timing. It does not control already established weeds, making prevention its main strength.
Pros:
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Pre-emergent power
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Long-lasting action
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Broad crop safety
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Prevents outbreaks
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Easy mixing
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Soil residual
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Effective barrier
Cons:
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No post-kill
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Timing critical
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Crop restrictions
10. Mesotrione – Best Broad-Spectrum Selective Herbicide
Mesotrione is a selective herbicide effective against both grassy and broadleaf weeds, including Yellow Foxtail and Smooth Brome. Its versatility makes it a strong candidate for corn and turf management. Its dual impact offers flexibility in weed control.
It works by inhibiting carotenoid biosynthesis, causing weeds to bleach and die. Symptoms appear within days, making it fast-acting compared to many systemic herbicides.
Mesotrione also offers residual soil control, helping prevent re-establishment of weeds. However, application guidelines must be followed to avoid crop stress.
Pros:
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Fast action
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Selective control
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Soil residual
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Broad spectrum
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Flexible use
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Visible results
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Effective systemic
Cons:
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Crop stress
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Resistance risks
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Limited crops
11. Dicamba – Best Tank-Mix Option
Dicamba is widely used as a tank-mix partner to enhance control of stubborn weeds like Yellow Foxtail and Smooth Brome. On its own, it targets broadleaf weeds, but in combination, it improves grass suppression. Farmers value it for its flexibility in integrated weed programs.
When mixed with grass herbicides, Dicamba extends the spectrum of weed control. It also provides soil residual effects, keeping fields cleaner for longer.
Its volatility requires caution during application to prevent drift damage. When handled carefully, it becomes a strong asset for resistant weed management.
Pros:
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Tank-mix friendly
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Broad control
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Residual activity
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Crop flexibility
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Reliable partner
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Enhances spectrum
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Cost effective
Cons:
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Drift risk
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Crop injury
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Sensitive neighbors
12. Paraquat – Best Fast-Acting Contact Herbicide
Paraquat is a non-selective, contact herbicide known for its speed in burning down Yellow Foxtail and Smooth Brome. It works by disrupting cell membranes, leading to rapid plant death within hours. Farmers often use it for quick field cleanup.
Its quick action makes it ideal for pre-plant burndown in crops like soybeans and corn. However, since it is contact-only, it does not kill roots completely, leading to possible re-growth.
Paraquat is highly toxic and must be handled with extreme care. When used responsibly, it provides unmatched speed in clearing weedy areas.
Pros:
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Very fast
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Broad spectrum
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Pre-plant tool
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Quick cleanup
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Effective contact
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Reliable burn
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Non-selective
Cons:
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Highly toxic
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Root regrowth
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Safety issues
Herbicide For Yellow Foxtail And Smooth Brome (FAQs)
1. What herbicide works best for Yellow Foxtail in lawns?
Quinclorac and Fenoxaprop-P are excellent choices for lawns since they selectively target Yellow Foxtail while sparing turfgrass.
2. Can I use Glyphosate for Smooth Brome control?
Yes, Glyphosate works well but being non-selective, it kills all vegetation, so it’s best for spot treatment or total land renovation.
3. Are pre-emergent herbicides effective on foxtail and brome?
Yes, products like Pendimethalin and Atrazine can prevent germination, offering long-term weed suppression.
4. How long does it take herbicides to kill Yellow Foxtail?
It depends on the product—contact herbicides like Paraquat act within hours, while systemic ones like Clethodim may take weeks.
5. Can Smooth Brome be controlled without chemicals?
Mechanical mowing and controlled grazing help, but herbicides remain the most effective long-term solution.
6. Are these herbicides safe for crops like soybeans and alfalfa?
Selective herbicides such as Clethodim, Sethoxydim, and Fluazifop-P are safe for broadleaf crops while controlling grassy weeds.
7. What safety precautions should I take when using herbicides?
Always wear protective gear, follow label instructions, and avoid spraying on windy days to prevent drift and exposure.
Conclusion
Managing Yellow Foxtail and Smooth Brome requires the right herbicide strategy to ensure effective and lasting results. The herbicides covered here offer a wide range of options, from selective to non-selective and from pre-emergent to post-emergent solutions.
Choosing the right product depends on whether you’re treating lawns, pastures, or agricultural fields.Using herbicides responsibly ensures both environmental safety and long-term weed suppression.
Each option has its strengths and drawbacks, but with proper planning, you can achieve clean and productive land.
Don’t let invasive grasses overtake your fields—choose the right herbicide, apply it carefully, and enjoy healthier crops and pastures. Act today and reclaim control of your land before weeds gain the upper hand.