Field bindweed is a species of creeping rootstalk which is also called Morning Glory and placed in the family "Convolvulaceae” under Genus “Convolvulus”. It is a perennial herbaceous broadleaf plant that grows up to 2 meters along the ground surface with numerous small flowers in pink and white. It is adaptable to a variety of climatic conditions and grows up to the elevation of 5000 feet above sea level. However, it severely upsets agriculture and landscapes throughout the temperate areas in the US. It is also a threat to garden beds, turfgrasses, and ornamental plants, besides its existence along roadsides and neglected areas. Field bindweed is highly associated with excessive moisture loss from productive sites.
Field Bindweed once, brought from Eurasia as an impurity in garden and field crops seed, now grows throughout the US except for some extreme Southeastern and southernmost of Texas, Arizona, and New Mexico. Field Bindweed also came into cultivation for ornamental purposes, and with time it turned out to be an adaptive herbaceous plant throughout the US. Its pervasiveness is reported for both cultivated and upset lands having plenty of moisture and sunshine. It’s commonly adaptive to arid areas as well.
The first true leaves are almost square with a narrow cut at the tip if Field Bindweed grows from the seed. Otherwise, the plants arising from the creeping rhizomes don't show this characteristic. Instead, their first true leaves are like arrowheads and leaf stems furrowed on the upper surface. The leaves of such plants could measure up to 2 inches at maximum. The flowers born on a cylindrical stalk are white to pink can reach up to 2 inches wide, and their shape resembles a trumpet. Field Bindweed remains creeping on the ground lest it hikes on an upright host plant stem covering the entire foliage and exposing the flowers to direct sunlight. Under warm and humid climates Field Bindweed grows, robustly. Its root expands both horizontally and vertically and may reach 20 feet deep in the soil. However, more than 70% of root mass remains in the top 2 feet of the surface.
Field Bindweed propagates both through seed and rootstocks. Its extensive root system creates buds that give rise to a new plant. Similarly, its rhizomes anchor at the ground surface giving rise to a new plant. Lateral roots also behave similarly, and a new plant can be found at each point when it turns downward. Under ideal conditions, one Field Bindweed plant can expand more than 10 feet during on growing season. Field Bindweed may defoliate during winter and emerges upon receiving ideal conditions. Dark brown Seeds are encapsulated having 1 to 4 seeds per pod, and a single plant produces more than 550 seeds in a growing season. These seeds can remain viable for more than fifty years. Germination from the seeds takes place once the seed coat breaks and finds a temperature range between 41° to 104°F.
Hoeing can only help you, partially, to reduce the Field Bindweed provided the practice is repeated after every 15 days. The purpose of both the hoeing and cultivation is to reduce the rich moisture contents of soil that spread its growth. if the Field Bindweed has already established its root system then it could grow again. The turfgrasses are not normally over-infested with field bindweed since Mowing keeps them well in control and doesn't allow their growth vigorously. But, they will continue to grow due to the presence of rhizomes and viable seeds in the soil. However, a mulch can reduce Field bindweed growth but, not practicable in turfgrasses.
Controlling Field Bindweed is quite difficult in a pre-emergence state due to its growth habit. However, a non-selective translocated herbicide like Glyphosate in combination with dicamba can be helpful if, there is no desirable green mass that you want alive. This readymade mixture also proves good for pre-emergence Field Bindweed control;
It contains 18% Glyphosate and 0.73% Diquat dibromide. 1-gallon can cover over 12500 square feet. For precise mixtures, add 3 ounces of RM18 in 1 gallon of water to spray Field Bindweed. Take care that it burns everything that comes into its direct contact.
Tenacity is 40% Mesotrione that kills Field Bindweed and several other broadleaf weeds that compete with garden plants and turfgrasses for nutritional resources. Tenacity may take 2-weeks for turning the Field Bindweed leaves yellow. However, complete control becomes possible in 3 weeks only. Additionally, it suppresses its new growth. Also, it can be applied before seeding turfgrasses in your lawn, where it works both as a Pre-emergent and Post-emergent herbicide together.
Probably half a teaspoon is the ideal dose for treating 1000 square feet of turfgrass in one gallon of water.
Its formulation contains Sodium Chloride, Citric Acid, Clove oil, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Vinegar, Glycerin, and Lemon juice which proves that it is a natural product. However, these ingredients show that it is a non-selective herbicide and will suppress all green masses. It is better to use it around garden beds where you grow vegetables or orchards.
it's a ready-to-use formulation and doesn't require mixing in water. Apply at 65°F or above temperature for best results. Do prefer a bright and calm day for spraying.
Turflon contains 60.45% Triclopyr which is an excellent broadleaf controller with selective action. No harm or stress on the turfgrass when applied to control Field Bindweed. It performs best if, applied during the actively growing stage of Field Bindweed having at least 4-5 leaves. One 16 ounces’ pack is enough to kill Field Bindweed at around 20000 square feet area. For a smaller area, mix 1 ounce of Turflon is 1 gallon of water to spray on the target weed.
Turflon is typically meant for spraying on cool-season grasses against Field Bindweed and is safe on perennial Bluegrass, tall Fescue Ornamental turf grass, and Perennial Ryegrass.
Learn How to control and get rid of other weeds in our complete Yard Weeding Guide.
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