Field bindweed is a deep-rooted perennial weed that severely reduces
crop yields and land value. This noxious weed infests just under 2 million
acres, and is found in every county in Kansas.
Bindweed is notoriously hard to control, especially with a single herbicide
application. The fall, prior to a killing freeze, can be an excellent time
to treat field bindweed — especially when good fall moisture has been
received. This perennial weed is moving carbohydrate deep into its root
system during this period, which can assist the movement of herbicide into
the root system.
The most effective control program includes preventive measures over
several years in conjunction with persistent and timely herbicide
applications. The use of narrow row spacings and vigorous, competitive crops
such as winter wheat or forage sorghum may aid control. Dicamba, Tordon,
2,4-D ester, and glyphosate products alone or in various combinations are
registered for suppression or control of field bindweed in fallow and/or in
certain crops, pastures, and rangeland. Apply each herbicide or herbicide
mixture according to directions, warnings, and precautions on the product
label(s). Single herbicide applications rarely eliminate established
bindweed stands.
Applications of 2,4-D ester and glyphosate products are most
effective when spring-applied to vigorously growing field bindweed in mid to
full bloom. However, dicamba and Tordon applications are most effective when
applied in the fall. Most herbicide treatments are least effective when
applied in mid-summer or when bindweed plants are stressed. Facet L, at 22
to 32 fl oz/acre, a new quinclorac product which now replaces Paramount and
QuinStar quinclorac products, can be applied to bindweed in fallow prior to
planting winter wheat or grain sorghum with no waiting restrictions. All
other crops have a 10-month preplant interval. Quinclorac products can be
used on a sorghum crop to control field bindweed during the growing season.
In past K-State tests, fall applications of Paramount have been very
effective. Additional non cropland treatments for bindweed control include
Krenite S, Plateau, and Journey.
Considerable research has been done on herbicide products and timing
for bindweed control. Although the research is not recent, the products used
for bindweed control and the timing options for those products haven´t
changed much since this work was done. I hope this information helps with
controlling your bindweed issues this fall.
By: Glenda Prieba
