Velvetleaf

Abstract

Velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrastiMedicus. ♯ ABUTH), a large, vigorously competitive plant, produces thousands of long-lived seeds. Its hard-coated seeds germinate throughout the warm season, making control difficult. Seeds, adult plants, and decaying plant parts contain or produce allelopathic chemicals which aggravate the effects of velvetleaf on surrounding crop plants. Velvetleaf must be attacked with multiple strategies; reliance on single herbicides in the past has allowed velvetleaf to spread and even develop herbicide tolerance.