Field Bindweed Control with Cultivation, Cropping, and Chemicals

Abstract

Various combinations of crops, herbicides, and tillage were evaluated for field bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis L.) control in western South Dakota. Four crop rotations (continuous wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), wheat-fallow, wheat-sorghum (Sorghum vulgare Pers.), and wheat-sorghum-fallow) were modified by the application of (2,4-dichlorophenoxy)acetic acid (2,4-D) and/or the use of post-harvest tillage. Intensive cultivation and 2,4-D treatment were used to aid in the control of field bindweed in forage crops grown on a long-term basis and in conjunction with small grain rotations. Treatment with 2,4-D in a grain crop and with non-selective herbicides after harvest were tested. Crops were planted the succeeding 2 or 3 years and observed for effect of chemical residue. The established plants could be essentially eliminated while utilizing adapted crop rotations. The use of 2,4-D alone or in combination with cultivation made it possible to reduce the stand of field bindweed (20.7 to 22.2 shoots/sq yd) 90% or more in 3 years in all rotations. A ¾-lb/A rate of 2,4-D in June prevented seed production, killed susceptible plants, and weakened the remaining plants, but a follow-up treatment of 2,4-D in the fall, post-harvest cultivation, or post-harvest treatment with herbicides such as 2,3,6-trichlorobenzoic acid (2,3,6-TBA), 3,6-dichloro-o-anisic acid (dicamba), or 4-amino-3,5,6-trichloropicolinic acid (picloram) was necessary to kill them.