Vetch, Tuftted
(Vicia cracca L.)

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Table of Contents

1. History
2. Life Cycle
3. Distinguishing Characteristics
4. Control in Corn
5. Control in Soybeans
6. Control in Winter Wheat

History

A relatively common weed throughout Ontario with no particular preference as to what soil type it establishes in. A very difficult to control weed, particularly in soybean.

Life Cycle

Perennial, reproducing by seed and by underground horizontal rootstocks.

Distinguishing Characteristics

The alternate leaves are compound (compound essentially means that the leaf is made up of many smaller leaflets). The leaflets of the compound leaves are opposite and a tendril extends from the end of each compound leaf. Tufted vetch has distinct purplish/blue flowers that eventually turn into brownish to blackish seed pods.

Tufted Vetch Pictures
Each thumbnail image links to a larger image

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Herbicide Control in Field Corn

Non-Crop land Control

Glyphosate applied at rates that are typical in "Roundup Ready" cropping systems (i.e. 1-2 L/ac), has not offered exceptional control of tufted vetch. Initial research would suggest that glyphosate needs to be applied at rates of 3 to 4 L/ac in order to offer adequate control of tufted vetch (Table 1). Glyphosate rates of 3 to 4 L/ac are not registered for use in "Roundup Ready" corn.

Post Emergent Control

Traditionally the active ingredient clopyralid (LONTREL) has provided the greatest level of tufted vetch control. Clopyralid was found in such corn herbicides as STRIKER and ULTIMAX, however both products are currently no longer available and LONTREL is not registered for use in field corn. Herbicides such as DISTINCT, BANVEL II, and CALLISTO have provided over 90% control of tufted vetch in field corn over 3 years of data (Table 2).

* Average of 1 field trial. ** Average of 2 field trials. *** Average of 3 field trials.

Source:

Dr. François Tardif, University of Guelph.

Number of Trials:

Table 1 is based on a summary of 1 field trial.
Tables 2 is based on a summary of 3 field trials, however only certain products were tested in all three trials.

Herbicide Rates:

Rates used in this trial are listed in OMAF Publication 75 - Guide to Weed Control.

Weed Stage:

Tufted vetch was between 5 to 25 cm in height and in some cases was in flower at the time of application.

What has been your experience?

We want your feedback. Let us know what you have experienced with these or other products, as well as any other effective management strategies.

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Herbicide Control in Soybeans

Non-Crop Land Control:

Glyphosate applied at rates that are typical in "Roundup Ready" cropping systems (i.e. 1-2 L/ac), has not offered exceptional control of tufted vetch. Initial research would suggest that glyphosate needs to be applied at rates of 3 to 4 L/ac in order to offer adequate control of tufted vetch (Table 1). Glyphosate rates of 3 to 4 L/ac are not registered for use in "Roundup Ready" soybeans.

General Control in Soybean

Unfortunately, field trials in Ontario have not been able to find a herbicide that offers good control of tufted vetch in soybean. In the summer of 2004, field observations at the Elora Research Station indicated that AMITROL 240 may provide good control of tufted vetch if applied pre-plant prior to soybeans. However, this has not yet been tested, but trials will evaluate this hypothesis in 2005.

Post Emergent Control

None of the post-emergent products tested in soybean have provided control of tufted vetch (Table 2).

Source:

Dr. François Tardif, University of Guelph.

Number of Trials:

Table 1 is based on a summary of 1 field trial.
Table 2 is based on a summary of 2 field trials.

Herbicide Rates:

Rates used in this trial are listed in OMAF Publication 75 - Guide to Weed Control.

Weed Stage:

Tufted vetch was between 5 to 25 cm in height and in some cases was in flower at the time of application.

What has been your experience?

We want your feedback. Let us know what you have experienced with these or other products, as well as any other effective management strategies.

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Herbicide Control in Winter Wheat

LONTREL offers the best control of tufted vetch in winter wheat, but is only registered for use in spring barley and wheat. MCPA Amine should provide adequate control of tufted vetch in winter wheat (Table 1).

Source:

Dr. Peter Sikkema, Ridgetown College, University of Guelph.

Number of Trials:

Tables 1 is based on a summary of 1 field trial in winter wheat.

Herbicide Rates:

Rates used in this trial are listed in OMAF Publication 75 - Guide to Weed Control.

Weed Stage:

Tufted vetch was between 5 to 25 cm in height and in some cases was in flower at the time of application.

What has been your experience?

We want your feedback. Let us know what you have experienced with these or other products, as well as any other effective management strategies.