Abutilon theophrasti Medik.: Lipica teofrastova

Abstract

Velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti Medik.) is an annual broad-leaf weed species from the family Malvaceae (Mallow family). It is an erect summer annual, up to 2 m tall, with yellow flowers and large, velvety, heart-shaped leaves. This plant originated in India and China, from where it was introduced into North America in the mid-1700s, as a potential fiber crop plant. Today it has spread over many countries of the world, including southeastern Europe, and has been categorized as an alien invasive weed species. It is an important weed of many crops in Serbia and is especially problematic where corn, soybean, sunflower and sugar beet are major crops. Velvetleaf reproduces by seeds (dimensions: 2.75-3.25 x 1.5-1.75 mm). The majority of seeds fall near the parent plant, but some are also dispersed over greater distances by water, mud, soil movement and especially agricultural activities. Seed production can be high, up to 50000+ seeds per plant. Seeds can survive for 50 years or more in the soil. The seedlings are tipically vigorous and mostly emerge from the soil depth of about 1-7 cm (no more than 10-13 cm). A. theophrasti competes with the abovementioned crops for light and nutrients. This weed species can produce relatively large quantities of biomass late in the season, which may increase the competition for light in many crops. Once established, velevetleaf is difficult to control due to its long-lived seeds and sporadic germination pattern. Preemergernce and postemergence control measures, such as: crop rotation, cultural control (preplant tillage, cultivation after crop planting, manual removal of individual plants), physical and chemical (preem and postem herbicide application) control, are essential for effective control of velvetleaf.