Ostrets

(also vostrets, volosnets), the Russian common name for several species of perennial herbs, mainly of the genus Leymus. The species L. ramosus closely resembles couch grass (Agropyron repens) in appearance and biological characteristics. In the USSR, L. ramosus grows in the southern European portion, Ciscaucasia, Kazakhstan, and some regions of Siberia. The plant, which propagates mainly by means of rhizomes, is a pernicious weed among cereal crops. Control measures are approximately the same as for A. repens; however, L. ramosus is more difficult to control owing to its deep rhizomes. The plant is a valuable fodder plant, yielding first-quality hay. The species L. chinensis, one of the best fodder grasses, grows in the Altai, Krasnoiarsk Krai, Irkutsk Oblast, Buriat ASSR, Tuva ASSR, Chita Oblast, and Mongolia. It often forms extensive steppes.