Once upon a time velvetleaf
was not considered a big problem in row crops, especially in corn. In the
early 1960's trifluralin was introduced and soybean acres and production
increased rapidly throughout the midwest US. Trifluralin allowed farmers
to get effective broad spectrum weed control, especially with their grasses.
But, as this was occurring, velvetleaf spread and increased throughout
this region, causing some growers to be convinced that the trifluralin cans
contained velvetleaf seed. It was a good example of a population shift
induced by eliminating previous weedy competitors or velvetleaf, and allowing
this bare ground to be exploited by the new species. This is a theme that
has been reinacted over and over again since after WWII.
It is called velvetleaf because
the leaves and stems have a very soft, downy, feel to the touch. This softness
is caused by many fine, small hairs (pubescence). It goes by other names
including buttonweed and witch's teat. The mallow family includes cotton.Explore the menu below to find out more about this fascinating and very competitive weed:
