Bromus madritensis (compact brome)

Bromus species are contaminants of grain and wool, they damage animal hides and can host serious cereal diseases. In pastures, the seeds penetrate eyes, mouths and feet of animals and working dogs. In Morocco, five species of Bromus (B. rigidus, B. rubens, B. sterilis, B. madritensis and B. mollis) are causing problems in wheat in the Sais area: 17% of fields were slightly infested (density of Bromus (Dbr) < 90 plants/m²), 61% were moderately infested (90 < Dbr < 290 plants/m²) and 22% were highly infested (Dbr > 400 plants/m²) (Hamal et al., 2001). Although B. madritensis is sometimes grazed by livestock, it is not considered a good forage plant and is generally regarded as having no economic value (Bor, 1968). Dried florets become entangled in wool, reducing its value, and lodge in the digestive tracts of some livestock, sometimes causing death.The importance of Bromus species has increased in some areas where the frequency of cropping has increased and other grasses have been controlled by herbicides.