|
Q: I have a flat vine with small flowers showing up in my turfgrass. What is it and should I remove it?
A. It sounds like field bindweed, a noxious weed in our state. It is a creeping perennial with arrowhead-shaped leaves and white or pink bell-shaped flowers that last from late June until frost. It is very aggressive and difficult to control because of an extensive root system which can penetrate soil up to 20 feet. Pull shoots as soon as they are noticed, since all shoots (leaves) produce food reserves. Regular, persistent pulling may eventually starve the root system.
Post-emergent herbicides with the chemical quinclorac are effective and can be sprayed on bindweed foliage in the lawn. A product that contains quinclorac is Ortho® Weed B Gon Max® plus Crabgrass Control. In addition, Trimec® products are also effective. Application rates vary and may need to be applied more than once for complete control. The most effective times for herbicide application are during flowering or in September. Before applying any chemical be sure to carefully read the label and only apply the product as suggested. Also, many chemicals have temperature recommendations-read the label for these restrictions.
Q: Can you recommend some pesticides that are plant friendly and can be safely used in organic gardening?
A. Some pesticides, as defined by the Colorado Organic Certification Act (COCA), are safer to use in organic gardening than many synthetically produced pesticides. The pesticides recommended to control pests and reduce environmental damage are microorganisms, microbial products and materials made from plants, animals or mineral-bearing rocks. Soap, oil and lime sulfur are synthetic pesticides that are friendly to plants. Horticultural oils can be used to control insects and diseases in summer and winter. In summer, oils can be used to control aphids, mites, thrips, scales, mealy bugs and their eggs.
For more information, check the CSU Extension website for Fact Sheet #2.945, "Friendly Pesticides for Home Gardens" and Fact Sheet 5.569, "Insect Control: Horticultural Oils" by visiting ext.colostate.edu.
For information on a variety of horticulture topics visit www.planttalk.org, or call the Colorado State University Extension office in your county.
|
