Field Bindweed

Description — This perennial reproduces by seeds and rootstocks. The root system is extensive and may go down 20 to 30 feet. Smooth, slender stems, 2 to 7 feet long, twine or spread over the surface of the ground. Leaves are ovate with spreading basil lobes. White or pink, funnel shaped flowers, about 1 inch across, grow singly in the leaf axils. The flower stock has two bracts, .5 to 2 inches below the flower, which distinguishes this weed from hedge bindweed . Egg-shaped seed pods usually contain 4 seeds which are dark, rough, brownish gray, about .13 inch long with 1 rounded and 2 flattened sides. (June-Aug)

Adaptation — Found in cultivated grounds, fields, and roadsides, field bindweed is able to persist d spread in all non-cultivated areas and under most cropping systems. It can be found in all counties in Kansas . It has been fought by farmers and landowners since the early 50’s without much progress. Field Bindweed seed has a very hard coat which enables the seed to remain the soil for long periods of time with sporadic germination.

Management options

1. Prevention —Clean crop seed before planting to remove bindweed seed and other weeds. If possible do not feed bindweed seed- infested feed to livestock or if it is fed, do not spread manure on bindweed-free land. Clean harvesting and other machinery before leaving infested fields.

2. Cultural Control — field Bindweed can be reduced by use of appropriately timed tillage and planting of competitive crops. Hoeing in non-cropland areas such as gardens, flower beds and forestry plantings at regular intervals of 10 to 14 days can control bindweed effectively.

3. Biological Controls — None

4. Recommended Treatments:

2,4-D .5 gallon/acre

Roundup (Glyphosate) 1.0 gallon/acre

Tordon 22k (Picloram) 1 to 2 quarts/acre

Oust (Sulfometuron) + 2,4-D – 2 to 8 oz Oust + .25 gallon 2,4-D/acre

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