Control and Elimination of Field Bindweed

Field bindweed (Convolvu.lus arvensis L.), sometimes called creeping jenny, is a deep-rooted perennial that spreads by underground parts and by seed. One seedling, when not competing with other plants, is able to produce in one season a root system that penetrates 4 feet deep and spreads out about 2 ½ feet in each direction. In three growing seasons, the roots may go down 18 to 20 feet and spread out to form a circle 17 or 18 feet in diameter. The yield of crops is normally reduced 30 to 50% by a bindweed infestation. Yield was reduced an average of 42% in eight South Dakota wheat fields and 33% in 12 South Dakota oats fields. In Kansas, barley yield was reduced 65% and sorghum yield 48%. Field bindweed emerges later in the spring than leafy spurge, Russian knapweed, or hoary cress and is less difficult to eliminate. It emerges about the same time as Canada thistle or perennial sow thistle. To control or eliminate field bindweed, use intensive cultivation, soil sterilant chemicals, certain competitive crops, selective herbicides, or combinations of these