The agricultural landscape is riddled with challenges, and weeds, particularly prickly lettuce (Lactuca serriola), pose a significant threat to wheat yield and quality.
Known alternatively as compass plant or wild lettuce, this highly competitive weed competes for essential resources such as light, water, and nutrients. Moreover, it can harbor various pests and diseases, further threatening the health and yield of wheat crops.
How to Identify Prickly Lettuce
Prickly lettuce, an annual or biennial plant, can tower up to 2 meters tall. Its small, yellow flowers typically bloom from July to September.
Distinctive leaf shape and prickles are key indicators of prickly lettuce. Its oblong, lobed leaves sport prickles on the underside along the midrib.
The milky sap exuded when the plant is cut or broken serves as another identification marker. This is a characteristic feature of the lettuce family.
Geographic Impact of Prickly Lettuce
Prickly lettuce is a widespread weed originating from Europe and Asia. It has since invaded North America and Australia, often causing significant damage to wheat crops.
Prickly lettuce thrives in a wide range of soils and climates, but it is most commonly found in temperate regions.
Timing of Prickly Lettuce Emergence
It usually emerges early in the growing season, often in the spring. It can continue to flourish until late fall.
How to Manage Prickly Lettuce in Wheat
It is crucial for farmers and agricultural professionals to identify this weed and understand its impact on wheat. With this knowledge, they can devise effective strategies to manage prickly lettuce and mitigate its impact on wheat yield and quality.
The optimal herbicide timing for prickly lettuce control is during the rosette stage of growth.
Some populations of prickly lettuce are resistant to glyphosate, ALS-inhibitors, and some synthetic auxin (2,4-D and dicamba) herbicides and may require alternative modes of action for adequate control.
Post-emergence
Burndown
Always read and follow the product labels for accurate application instructions.
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