Combined effects ofAceria malherbaeand herbicides on field bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis) growth

Abstract

The effects of a gall mite (Aceria malherbae) and sublethal doses of either 2,4-DB or glyphosate on field bindweed growth were evaluated under laboratory conditions. Mite feeding reduced field bindweed shoot biomass 37 to 48% and root biomass 46 to 50%. 2,4-DB at 0.07 to 0.14 kg ae ha−1or glyphosate at 0.14 to 0.28 kg ai ha−1reduced field bindweed root biomass 25 to 52%. CombiningA. malherbaefeeding with either 2,4-DB or glyphosate application reduced root biomass of field bindweed plants more than mites or either herbicide alone. LiveA. malherbaewere present on field bindweed 3 wk after treatment with either herbicide. Combination ofA. malherbaewith sublethal herbicide doses may allow for field bindweed suppression while reducing potential herbicide injury to crops and maintainingA. malherbaepopulations.