THE BIOLOGY OF CANADIAN WEEDS.: 76. Vicia angustifolia L.,V. cracca L., V. sativa L., V. tetrasperma (L.) Schreb. and V. villosa Roth.

Abstract

This paper provides a summary of biological data on five weedy species of vetch (Vicia). All species are naturalized in Canada and are found in a wide range of habitats with their main centers of distribution in Eastern Canada and the south and coastal regions of British Columbia. Vicia cracca is the most common and serious problem and occurs nationwide. Vicia sativa is the most variable of the species; numerous subspecies, varieties, forms and hybrids are described. Tendrils allow vetches to attach to crop plants and form mat-like infestations. Vetch species are sensitive to a number of herbicides but there appears to be differential tolerance among species to chlorthal dimethyl, 2,4-DB and others. Vicia spp. are host to several economically important pathogens and parasites.Key words: Weed biology, vetches, Vicia spp., distribution