Convolvulus arvensis (bindweed)

Ottawa, ON(Zone 5a)

A historic garden that I volunteer at has a lot of bindweed. The stuff just keeps coming back, like the proverbial cat. I've been reading up on how to deal with it; the link below has some good info, but I was curious if someone here has had any success with any method in particular?

http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7462.html

Shannon

Woodland Park, CO(Zone 4b)

I don't particularly like leaving plastic in place for years-not at all good for the soil. Although covering makes it weak and easier to pull, one bit of light and it's back with a vengance. I've the vines travel more than a few feet only to peek up from under plastic or boards. Nasty, evil, weed!!
You can also don a nitrile glove with a cotton one over that-dip gove in chemical and literally shake hands with the bindweed if it's in places where application will be difficult. You can also paint on with a foam brush. Re-application is always necessary. The roots are very deep and this always resprouts.

I've had extremely good success with the Aceria mite here. Don't know if it's available for you.

Ottawa, ON(Zone 5a)

Good info - thanks. You're right, the roots sure are deep.

Is the Aceria mite introduced to bindweed to control it? What is its effect on the surrounding ecosystem?

Woodland Park, CO(Zone 4b)

Yes and none. Aceria malherbae is host specific to Convovulous arvense. Does not go to others in same family or genus as I understand it and I have never found it on anything else but field bindweed.
Here is a link. http://www.ag.state.co.us/DPI/insectary/BOM-Am.html
The organization I work for was the initial field experiment in 1999.

Ottawa, ON(Zone 5a)

Very interesting - Ill see if it's available here in Canada. Thank you!

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