How to deal with a weed called American, the best ways and measures of prevention
American weed, or Galinsoga, is one of the fast-growing and easily adaptable grasses that can fill a summer cottage in a short time period. This plant appeared in Russia after a large-scale import of seed from abroad began. To find ways to prevent the development of the American weed and understand how to deal with the grass, it is necessary to determine the characteristics of Galinsoga.
What does an American woman look like
Without human intervention, Galinsoga grows to a relatively large size.
This weed has the following features:
- height - up to 80 centimeters;
- light green or light green leaves up to 6 centimeters long;
- shoots are juicy;
- the edges of the leaves are serrated, the surface is wrinkled;
- flowers are small, with a bright yellow core (reminiscent of small daisies).
The American woman is actively developing. This is due to the fact that one weed bush per season is capable of producing up to 20 thousand seeds.
The grass root system is extensive and grows to a depth of 10 centimeters. The plant can adapt to a variety of soils, but prefers well-fertilized and moist soils.
Breeding features
Three factors affect the breeding ability of an American woman:
- the degree of soil moisture;
- planting depth (seeds do not break through the soil layer over 2 centimeters);
- watering frequency.
On average, out of 20 thousand seeds, no more than half remain viable. Moreover, each grain retains the ability to germinate for 10 years. In addition, the American woman herself gives many shoots, which quickly take root upon contact with the ground.
Because of these features, the weed is able to fill the summer cottage in 1-2 seasons.
Weed control difficulties
In addition to active development, the American weed creates other difficulties for gardeners:
- the grass can grow in both sunny and shaded areas;
- the weed has no natural pests;
- the American woman is not susceptible to common plant diseases;
- with a sufficient level of moisture, the grass is capable of producing seeds after weeding;
- the seeds retain their viability after passing through the digestive tract of animals and birds;
- after mowing, the plant remains viable.
It is possible to destroy the American woman with the help of herbicides during the flowering period. Treatment of the site with chemicals in early spring does not bring a positive result: the weed will produce seeds from May to June.
Weed damage
The American is characterized by rapid development, and therefore this grass is capable of suppressing the growth of other crops grown on the site during the season. This circumstance carries another danger: due to active growth, the weed creates a shadow, interfering with the growth of neighboring plants. As a result, crops receive insufficient light and moisture and dry out over time.
The second danger of the American woman lies in the fact that the weed is capable of carrying infectious diseases. This grass is chosen as a place for development by many insects that harm the development of horticultural crops. In addition, the American is capable of cross-pollinating with other plants (mainly with cereals and cruciferous plants), worsening the varietal qualities of the latter.
Due to the growth of this weed on the site, gardeners lose up to 25-50% of the crop. However, the American woman also has a number of positive qualities. The herb contains several useful microelements that are used in the treatment of respiratory diseases and gastrointestinal pathologies, diabetes mellitus, dropsy.
How to get rid of a pest plant in the garden
Due to the fact that the American is distinguished by increased vitality, it is recommended to fight this weed in a comprehensive manner, using different approaches. Moreover, this must be done during the growing season, trying to destroy the roots.
Herbicides
Herbicides against American women are rarely used. This is due to the fact that the weed quickly adapts to these substances, especially if the area is treated more than once per season. This impact negatively affects the condition of the soil and, as a result, the yield of fruit and vegetable crops.
It is recommended to use herbicides if the weed has occupied a small area. Treatment with these substances should be carried out during the flowering period. In the fight against weeds, the following are used:
- Hurricane Forte;
- Roundup;
- Tornado.
Also, herbicides give a positive result when applied in autumn, when the crops have faded and yielded. It should be borne in mind that these substances do not have a noticeable effect on American seeds. Therefore, next year it will be necessary to re-process the site.
Siderata
Siderata are mainly used to prevent the appearance of weeds. These plants are recommended for sowing empty areas on the site after harvest. In summer, such places are used to grow oil-yielding turnips, mustard or rapeseed. It is recommended to sow grain crops before winter. The use of green manure gives another positive effect: after the plants, the soil remains loose, due to which the crops planted next year will receive more oxygen.
At the same time, gardeners insist on the need to cut such plants. Otherwise, green manure will become weeds in the future.
Mechanical method
The mechanical method is more efficient. This method of dealing with an American woman gives good results if the following rules are followed:
- Weed should be weeded before flowering begins. This takes no more than 2-3 weeks.
- If a weed appears in a garden bed where there are no cultivated plants, the American should be dug up. This method is more effective than weeding as roots may remain in the ground after pulling out the grass.
- Weeds should not be left between the rows of beds and used as mulch.
- Weed beds should be done in dry weather.
Also, in the fight against weeds, deep cultivation of the summer cottage is used, which is carried out twice a year.
Mulching
Mulching gives positive results throughout the warm season. To do this, use sawdust, straw, peat or tree bark.
With film
The film is used as a budget replacement for mulching. This variant of weed control is also considered effective, since the material does not let the sun through and inhibits grass development. The disadvantage of this method is that pests that damage cultivated plants often accumulate under the film.
Folk remedies
In the fight against the American, a mixture consisting of the following components helps:
- a few drops of dishwashing liquid;
- a tablespoon of salt;
- liter of 9 percent vinegar.
The resulting mixture must be treated with weeds, trying not to get on cultivated plants. It is recommended to carry out the procedure on a dry and sunny day, in the morning. A similar effect is obtained by treating weeds with a solution of copper sulfate.
This method of struggle is used mainly in cases where there is not enough time for weeding and mulching the area. It is difficult to avoid contact of the described solutions with cultivated plants. And this can lead to a decrease in yield.
In the fight against weeds, sowing lawn grass next to the American has proven itself. Also, a positive effect is observed if fast-growing annual flowers: petunia, nasturtium and others are planted in areas of possible weed appearance.
Preventive actions
In order to prevent the appearance of weeds on the site, it is recommended:
- deep cultivation regularly (after harvest and early spring);
- sow free areas on the site with lawn grass or flowers;
- sow green manures in free areas during the summer;
- after visiting the areas where the American grows up, you should rinse your shoes under running water.
As already noted, the American is distinguished by increased vitality. Therefore, this weed should be dealt with immediately after the first plants appear on the site.
