Welcome to the Douglas County Weed Management Websites.
In October 2004, Douglas County Commissioners activated the Douglas County Weed Management Task Force and appointed nine individuals who geographically represent Douglas County agriculture and urban areas. Margaret Viebrock, WSU Extension, was appointed to facilitate this committee and help to develop weed management strategies.
Ex-officio members of this Task Force include representatives from Douglas County Transportation and Land Services, Foster Creek Conservation District, Douglas County Commissioners and WSU Extension.
Task Force Directives (defined by the Douglas County Commissioners)
- Develop a communication system with all entities that have weed control programs.
- Gain a better understanding of weed control methods used by other other entities.
- Design a system to coordinate weed control efforts.
- Continue the process of developing an informed educational approach to weed management in Douglas County.
- Engage landowners and agencies in a cooperative weed management program.
Since the appointment of the Douglas County Weed Management Task Force, the committee has taken a proactive approach to learn about various weed management programs. Members have met with agency people, integrated weed management program managers, state weed board representatives, county noxious weed control managers and other groups who manage weeds. The best parts of these programs have been integrated into the local plan of work. Members have also spent time in Olympia with state legislative groups explaining how the program has been successful in Douglas County.
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WEED OF THE MONTH
March 2010
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Image (c) 2004 Ben Legler
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Field Bindweed
Convolvulus arvensis
FACTS
1. Douglas County Class C weed. |
2. Introduced from Europe as early as the 1730s..
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3. Stems are prostrate, usually 1 to 4 feet long.
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4. Leaves are finely pubescent, more or less arrowhead-
shaped with pointed or blunt lobes at the base. |
5. Flowers are bell or trumpet shaped, white or pinkish,
approximately 1 inch in diameter with 2 small bracts located
1 inch below the flower. |
6. Flowering period is from late June to until frost in the fall.
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7. The number of seeds produced per plant ranges from 25 to
300. Seeds can remain viable in the soil up to 50 years.
8. In western U.S., it is extensively distributed in cultivated
fields and waste places. It is a difficult weed to eradicate
because of the long, deep taproot which can penetrate the
soil to a depth of 10 feet and which gives rise to numerous
lateral roods.
9. Other common names: Small-flowered morning glory, wild
morning glory, perennial morning glory, creeping jenny. |
10.. Control Methods:
Prevention
Hand-pulling seedlings can be effective for small, new infestations before plants set seed. |
Biological
A gall mite, Aceria malherbae, which forms galls on the leaves, petioles and stem tips. Mites can stunt the plant and reduce flowering.
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Mechanical
Cutting and mowing have little effect on plant populations unless plants are cut below the root crown at early stages of growth. If hand-pulling, it is important to try and get as much of the root system as possible.
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Chemical
Contact your local chemical provider or Extension office for recommendations.
March 5, 2010 |
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