Source: Boldt, P.E., S.S. Rosenthal, and Raghavan Srinivasan. 1998. Distribution of field bindweed in the USA. J. Prod. Agric. 11:377-381.

Field bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis L.) and hedge bindweed (C. sepium L.) are perennial weeds of cereals, hay, and vegetables. They have spread rapidly across the US since the 1800's, and are now considered major weeds. These spreading aggressive weeds are economic problems in at least 32 crops in North America. Their vine-like stems reduce harvesting efficiency, and their deep root systems compete for soil moisture and nutrients that could optimally be used to sustain valuable crops. According to the authors, dense infestations reduce yields by 18 to 75% in cereal crops and by 50 to 80% in row crops. The estimated yearly crop loss due to these weeds is around $377 million in the US alone. Field bindweed, originally from Europe or Asia, is present in 47 of the 48 contiguous states of the US. These weeds are not currently found in Florida and the southern parts of states from South Carolina to Texas. The US Department of Agriculture reported a 27% increase in field bindweed infested acreage since 1965. A regional survey revealed that 60% of farmers in semiarid plains and western states had field bindweed infestations compared to 30% on farms in central states. The increase in the western states has accompanied an increase in the production of field crops, grapes, tree fruits, and ornamentals. It can increase in severity where fields are irrigated, no-till practices are employed, or land is removed from the Conservation Reserve Program. It seems important to note that field bindweed appears to be a hearty weed. This weed is able to reach soil moisture as deep as 6 feet. In addition, its long-viable seeds can germinate 10 or more years after being in the soil. Hedge bindweed, a closely related species, is moderately less trouble, and is still only found east of the Rocky Mountains. This genus can be distinguished from field bindweed by larger arrow-shaped leaves and flowers, and the presence of two large bracts subtending the flower. Hedge bindweed can be easier to control because its shorter roots contain less food reserves and are easier to eradicate with cultivation. Although not as abundant as field bindweed, hedge bindweed has increased since 1969. The authors report the current economic status of bindweeds in the US, provide information on their distribution, and estimate infestation levels for each state on a county basis.

Abstract author: Michelle De Lillo, 1 December 1998.

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