HPIPM:Field bindweed

Taxonomy

Domain	Eukarya
Kingdom	Plantae
Phylum	Magnoliophyta
Class	Magnoliopsida
Superorder	Asteranae
Order	Solanales
Family	Convolvulaceae
Genus	Convolvulus

Scientific Name

Convolvulus arvensis

Scientific Name Synonyms

Strophocaulos arvensis

Convolvulus ambigens

Common Name

field bindweed

Field bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis)

Author: Jim Jacobs, Plant Materials/Invasive Species Specialist, USDA-Montana NRCS.

Adapted from the USDA NRCS Montana Invasive Species Technical Note “Ecology and Management of Field Bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis L.)”

Identification and Life Cycle

Field bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis) is a persistent perennial weed in the morning glory family (Convolvulaceae). The flower is composed of five petals fused together to form a trumpet-shaped floral tube 1/2 to 1 inch long, 3/4 to 1 inch in diameter, and white or pinkish-purple in color. Seeds are 1/10 to 2/10 of an inch long, pear-shaped, and dull brownish-gray. The leaves of field bindweed vary in shape and size but are generally arrowhead- or spade-shaped and lobed at the base. Their length ranges from 3/4 to 2 inches, and the margins are entire. The stems of field bindweed are slender vines that run along the ground or climb any available object. Stem length ranges from 1 to 6 feet; they often twine, form dense, tangled mats, and they are normally hairless but can be pubescent. Field bindweed produces an extensive system of roots and rhizomes whitish in color, cordlike, and fleshy. The primary root forms a taproot that can penetrate the soil to depths of 2 to 10 feet.

Habitats

Field bindweed grows on cultivated fields, pastures, gardens and lawns, roadsides, railways, and in waste places. It can survive long periods of drought. It favors rich fertile soils that are dry or moderately moist, but it can persist on poor, gravelly soils.

Impacts

The extensive root system of field bindweed enables it to effectively compete for soil moisture and nutrients resulting in reduced crop yield. The twining stems cause lodging of crops and interfere with crop harvest. Crop seed contamination with field bindweed seed reduces crop value and increases seed cleaning costs. In lawns and gardens, field bindweed increases maintenance costs and reduces the aesthetic value of ornamentals.

Biology and Ecology

Lateral roots grow from buds along the taproot and from adventitious buds at the stem base. Buds along the lateral roots give rise to rhizomes in early spring, and when rhizomes reach the soil surface, they establish new crowns capable of generating independent plants. The entire root system of one plant can occupy an area 20 feet in diameter and 30 feet in depth. Stems emerge from root crowns in early May. Rapid stem growth begins when day temperatures approach 60° F, and night temperatures do not drop below 35° F. Flowering begins in late June and continues into the fall as long as conditions are favorable. An individual flower persists for one day only, beginning expansion and nectar production in early morning. Peak germination is in late spring or early summer, however seeds will germinate throughout the growing season if moisture is adequate. Seeds in the soil can remain viable for 20 years or more. Field bindweed spreads predominantly by seeds that generally fall near the parent plant. The hard impermeable seed coat enables seeds to remain viable in the stomachs of migrating animals for up to 144 hours, and thus animal and bird migration facilitates long distance dispersal. Seeds also disperse in water. Farm equipment spreads root and rhizome fragments within and between fields.

Management Approaches

A combination of management approaches provide the best control of field bindweed.

Biological Control

Two classical biological control agents have been released to control field bindweed. The bindweed gall mite, Aceria malherbae, which forms galls on actively growing leaves, petioles, and stem tips. The bindweed moth, Tyta luctuosa, feeds on bindweed flowers and leaves; however, this insect has not successfully established in areas where it has been released.New text here.

Mechanical and Cultural Control

Frequent cultivations reduce field bindweed root reserves and deplete the soil seed bank. Tilling at the bloom stage when root carbohydrate and nitrogen reserves are lowest may be the most effective timing for suppression. Cattle, sheep, and goats will graze on field bindweed leaves and stems. Hogs and chickens eat leaves, stems, exposed roots and rhizomes, and crowns. Mowing will not reduce infestations of field bindweed, but it may reduce seed production if timed to prevent flowering.

Chemical Control

Consult herbicide labels for additional rate, application, and safety information. Additional herbicide information can be found at http://www.greenbook.net.

Due to constantly changing labels, laws and regulations, the sponsors of this web site assume no liability for the suggested use of any chemicals noted in the management section. Contact your local pest management personnel for current information on labeled pesticides that can be used for the intended plant disease, insect pest or weed.

References

For more images please visit IPM Bugwood: http://www.ipmimages.org/search/action.cfm?q=field%20bindweed

For more information please visit Invasipedia: http://wiki.bugwood.org/Convolvulus_arvensis