Weed Control in Crown Vetch

Crownvetch (Coronilla varia L.) is a dense growing, cool season, perennial legume that spreads by rhizomes. A native of the Mediterranean, the legume is widely used for livestock forage. A number of herbicides control the growth of weeds in crownvetch.

Identification

The University of Missouri Extension lists the use of benefin and trifluralin to control weeds in crownvetch. Herbicidal weed control options are cited as among the best weed control strategies for crownvetch. The chemicals are sold under a variety of different trade names.

Description

Products containing benefin are pre-emergent herbicides that control weeds by retarding the germination of weed seeds. Benefin is best applied to soil before or right after planting. Trifluralin is a pre-emergent, selective herbicide used widely in grain crops, vegetables and fruit and nut trees.

Targeted Weeds

Benefin controls grasses and broadleaved weeds including barnyardgrass, crabgrass, fall panicum, carpetweed, knotweeds, purslane and pigweed. Products containing trifluralin are effective in the control of broadleaved weeds and annual grasses.

References

• Oklahoma State University Extension: Crownvetch
• University of Missouri Extension; Crownvetch; Howell N. Wheaton; 1993
• Cornell Cooperative Extension: Benefin
• Cornell Cooperative Extension; Trifluralin; Sept. 1993