Crop Protection Online > Pests - Weed biology<br> <sub>Agro-region: Denmark</sub> - Spergula arvensis L.

Crop Protection Online

1.12 2024

Weed biology
_{Agro-region: Denmark}

Spergula arvensis L.

Can be mistaken for

Plantago lanceolata L., which has lancet-shaped true leaves.

Characteristics

Cotyledons
Threadlike with entire leaf margins. Unstalked. Smooth surface. Length approx. 10-25 mm.

True leaves
Threadlike with entire leaf margins. Unstalked. The surface is often covered with clear hairs. Length approx. 15-35 mm.

Mature plant
Corn Spurrey is a medium-sized plant (height approx. 10-40 cm), which is very easily distinguished by its threadlike leaves. The diameter of the flower is approx. 6 mm. Seed production: Up to approx. 3,000 seeds per plant.

Seed
Round and a little flattened with a light, narrow membraneous margin. The surface has small pointed Peaks. Thousand grain weight approx. 0.5 g.

Biology

Propagation and dispersal
Only through seeds.

Habit
Summer annual.

Importance

The species is found throughout Denmark and is very common on sandy soil. The plant can be a dominant and troublesome weed especially on sandy soil in spring-sown cereals and root crops.

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Taxonomy

Caryophyllaceae.

Names in different languages

Danish :	Spergel, alm.
German :	Ackerspörgel
English :	Corn Spurrey
Latin :	Spergula arvensis L.
Norwegian :	Linbendel
Swedish :	Åkerspärgel

Seedling

Early stage

Flower

Mature plant

Seeds

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Weed biology Agro-region: Denmark