biology of Canadian weeds. 121. Galium mollugo L

Galium mollugo L. (smooth bedstraw) is a long-lived perennial broadleaved plant that reproduces both vegetatively and by seed. Galium mollugo can be a strong competitor in long-lived forage crops such as bird’s-foot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus L.), timothy (Phleum pratense L.), and orchard grass (Da...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Canadian journal of plant science 2003-04, Vol.83 (2), p.453-466
Main Authors: Mersereau, D, DiTommaso, A
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
2,4-D
2,4-DB
Dactylis glomerata
death
dicamba
forage crops
Galium mollugo
grasses
herbicide resistance
invasive species
livestock
Lotus corniculatus
MCPA (herbicide)
meadows
Melilotus officinalis
pastures
Phleum pratense
plantations
Trifolium pratense
weeds
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Description
Summary:Galium mollugo L. (smooth bedstraw) is a long-lived perennial broadleaved plant that reproduces both vegetatively and by seed. Galium mollugo can be a strong competitor in long-lived forage crops such as bird’s-foot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus L.), timothy (Phleum pratense L.), and orchard grass (Dactylis glomerata L.), as well as in short-lived forage crops such as red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) and yellow sweet-clover [Melilotus officinalis (L.) Lam.]. It is also a problem weed in spruce plantations and re-vegetation areas. Livestock typically avoid this species, allowing it to become well-established in pastures where it outcompetes more favourable species. Moreover, G. mollugo is viewed as a successful invasive species because of its ability to colonize and proliferate in areas such as established meadows where most invasive species do not thrive. In natural meadow communities, G. mollugo is often a dominant species that is capable of colonizing areas left vacant by the death and/or displacement of other species. Under favourable conditions, G. mollugo growth and clonal expansion can increase rapidly. Galium mollugo is generally tolerant to herbicides such as 2,4-D, MCPA, 2,4-DB, and dicamba.
ISSN:0008-4220
1918-1833
DOI:10.4141/P01-152