The biology of Canadian weeds. 9. Thlaspi arvense L. (updated)

Abstract

An updated review of biological information is provided for Thlaspi arvense. Native to Eurasia, the species is naturalized and widely spread in temperate regions of the northern hemisphere, including all of Canada's provinces and territories, and has recently spread to temperate regions in the southern hemisphere. It is an annual pioneer of disturbed soils and is an important weed of grain, oilseed, and forage crops in Canada, particularly in the prairies. High levels of erucic acid and glucosinolates can contaminate canola. When present in hay or other fodder, its seeds or leaves can be toxic to animals, as well as contaminate milk and meat with unpleasant flavors. It can serve as a host for insect, nematode, fungal and viral pests of canola and mustard crops. A persistent seed bank, high fecundity, and the growth habit of a hardy winter annual with early- (EF) and late-flowering (LF) strains, all contribute to its ability to compete with crops. Effective herbicides include the sulfonylureas, chlorsulfuron and ethametsulphuron, MCPA, tribenuronmethyl, phenocyacetic acid, flurtamone, 2,4-D, 2,4-D + dicamba, and 2,4-D + picloram. A resistant biotype to Group 2 herbicides, which inhibit acetolactate synthase (ALS), has been found at two to five sites in Alberta in 2001. The potential of T. arvense as an industrial oilseed crop is being investigated. Key words: Stinkweed, Thlaspi arvense, weed biology, field pennycress, fanweed, oilseed potential