Identification and Management of Field Bindweed in Corn

Field bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis L), or sometimes referred to as “Creeping Jenny”, is a perennial weed that poses challenges in corn production due to its aggressive growth and ability to outcompete crops for nutrients and water. Effective management of this weed, which is listed as noxious in many states, is crucial to help maintain crop yield and quality.

Identification of Field Bindweed

Field bindweed is a perennial vine that can be identified by several distinct characteristics:

1. Leaves: The leaves are arrow-shaped or heart-shaped with smooth edges and are typically 1 to 2 inches long (Figure 1). The leaf shape can vary slightly, but they generally have a pointed tip and a broader base.
2. Flowers: Field bindweed produces funnel-shaped flowers that are usually white or pale pink, and the flowers are about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter and appear singly or in pairs on short stalks (Figure 2).
3. Growth Habit: This weed has a twining or creeping growth habit, often climbing over other plants or spreading along the ground (Figure 3). It can grow up to 3 ft long and forms dense mats that smother other vegetation.
4. Roots: The root system is extensive and consists of a deep taproot with numerous spreading lateral roots. Roots can grow to a depth of 20 ft in the soil, but 90 percent of the plant’s roots are generally in the top foot of soil. New plants have been found to grow from roots and root buds as deep as 14 ft.

Impact on Corn Crops

Field bindweed competes with corn for water, nutrients, and sunlight, which can lead to reduced yield potential. Its rapid growth and extensive root system can also impede mechanical operations such as tillage and harvesting.

Management Strategies

• Cultural Practices:
  • Crop Rotation: Incorporating crops that are less susceptible to bindweed can help disrupt its life cycle.
  • Tillage: Regular tillage can reduce bindweed populations by disrupting its root system. However, care should be taken to avoid deep tillage that may inadvertently spread its roots.
• Chemical Control:
  • Herbicide Application: The timing and method of herbicide application are critical for effective control.
    • Pre- and Post-Emergence Recommended Products:
      • For management, apply Roundup PowerMAX^® 3 Herbicide plus 2,4-D when bindweed is actively growing if crop stage and corn trait allow.
      • A mixture of Roundup PowerMAX^® 3 Herbicide plus dicamba can also be effective as pre- and post-emergence control in fallow situations.
      • Applications should be made when soil moisture is adequate, as drought stress can reduce herbicide efficacy.
      • For the best management, apply when field bindweed is small and actively growing.
• Timing of Application:
  • Timing a post application is difficult in growing corn, but late summer or fall applications are recommended for maximum effectiveness, as bindweed is actively growing. Applications should be made before the bindweed goes to seed, as the seeds can remain viable in the soil for up to 50 years.
• Integrated Weed Management:
  • Combining cultural, mechanical, and chemical methods provides the best results in managing field bindweed. Regular field scouting to monitor bindweed populations can help make management decisions.

Conclusion

Field bindweed is a challenging weed that requires diligent management to minimize its impact on corn crops. By effectively identifying the weed and employing a combination of cultural, mechanical, and chemical management methods, growers can manage field bindweed more effectively and help to protect their corn yield potential.

Channel Agronomist
Travis Edeal

Sources

Field bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis). Weed Id GUIDE. Division of Plant Sciences. University of Missouri. https://weedid.missouri.edu/weedinfo.cfm?weed_id=72

Field bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis). Nebraska Invasive Species Program. University of Nebraska-Lincoln. https://neinvasives.com/species/plants/field-bindweed/

Web sources verified 9/18/24 1110_452201