Common Chickweed [Stellaria media]
Chickweed is found in many areas of the UK and can be an issue due to germination throughout the growing season and the formation of a dense mat of weeds which spreads over the ground.
It is an annual weed, short but outward spreading and can be dense.
About the pest
About the weed
It is an annual low-growing bright-green plant, with tiny five-petalled white flowers.
Key features
Plant: The stems are rounded with a single line of hairs.
Leaves: The leaves are oval, usually 8mm or longer, and end in a slight point.
Biology
Common chickweed can grow at relatively low temperatures and may suppress overwintered crops or, if dense, severely restrict crop growth. Germination of chickweed can occur throughout the year, with up to three generations possible in any one year in winter cereals, particularly wheat; plants may be seen to be flowering at any time. Spring-germinating plants die in late summer, while autumn-germinating plants survive the winter as a dense low-growing mat. Plants may reproduce by seed, moved by birds, or vegetatively by root cuttings.
Symptoms & Diagnosis Life Cycle
Seed longevity: >5 years
Germination depth: 3.6 cm
Seed weight: 0.35 mg
Seeds/flower: 8
Seeds/plant: 2500
Treatment Management
Control by preventing seed production and reestablishment after cultivation. Early shallow tillage encourages the seed germination; when the seedlings emerge, the land should be tilled again and then drilled with the crop. Sulfonylurea resistance in chickweed has been confirmed in the UK. Where sulfonylurea herbicides are used, mix with a herbicide with an alternative mode of action.
Chickweed Facts At-A-Glance
Herbicide ResistanceALS TSRLeavesOval and end in a small point. Chickweed produced small five-petalled white flowers.Number of seeds produced per plant2500 (8 seeds/flower)Seed shedMay to OctoberGermination periodThroughout the yearGermination depth3 - 4 cmPrimary dormancySomeSecondary dormancySomeSeed longevity2 - 5 years, but some >5 yearsFactor promoting germinationPredominantly light, but some darkRate of seed decline with cultivations48% per yearSoil type and geographic locationVery widespread across the UK. Favours fertile nitrogen-rich soils. It likes moisture, but not waterlogged soil. usually grows under and altitude of 200m, but can grow in altitudes up to 400m.