Ground Ivy (Glechoma hederacea) Populations Respond Differently to 2,4-D or Triclopyr

Abstract

Ground ivy is an invasive, perennial, broadleaf weed common in turf sites. A recent survey of lawn care professionals suggests ground ivy populations respond differently to herbicides. Our study was conducted to determine the variation in response among and within ground ivy populations to 2,4-D or triclopyr application. Ground ivy populations were sampled from nine sites in the United States and Canada. Leaf width, petiole length, and internode length varied by population by as much as 31, 36, and 45%, respectively. In a greenhouse study, applying 4.5 kg/ha 2,4-D or 0.9 kg/ha triclopyr to all populations resulted in a phytotoxic response that varied according to population by as much as 47% for 2,4-D and 31% for triclopyr. Random-amplified polymorphic DNA analysis identified 52 genotypes in the nine populations, and these genotypes varied in response to 2,4-D application in some populations. Difficulty in control of ground ivy with 2,4-D or triclopyr may be because of the presence of ecotypes and biotypes.

Mowing Before or After an Herbicide Application Does Not Influence Ground Ivy (Glechoma hederacea ) Control

“…According to Mitich (1994), removal of the leaves alone may serve to reduce the development of new clones. Despite the fact that ground ivy leaves are usually elevated in the canopy and that they shade out and thin the surrounding turf (Kohler et al, 2004b, 2004c), mowing practices throughout the duration of this research only served to remove approximately 20–30% of the ground ivy leaf tissue (Fig. 1).…”

“…G round ivy ( Glechoma hederacea L.) is a creeping perennial broadleaf weed that is found in cool, humid regions of the United States (Kohler et al, 2004b, 2004c). Also known as creeping Charlie, it is a member of the mint family even though it lacks the identifiable mint odor of other plants within this family (Mitich, 1994; Hatterman‐Valenti et al, 1996).…”

“…Ground ivy actively grows in shaded and full‐sun areas and quickly invades turf by aggressive stolon development (Hatterman‐Valenti et al, 1996; Hutchings and Price, 1999). The development of a dense ground ivy leaf canopy can thin the surrounding turf, resulting in a nonuniform stand (Kohler et al, 2004b, 2004c). Cultural practices such as increasing the mowing height and increasing annual nitrogen applications have been observed to discourage the establishment and spread of broadleaf weeds (i.e., ground ivy); however, they do not provide complete control (Dernoeden et al, 1993; Kohler et al, 2004b).…”

Herbicide Selection and Application Timing in the Fall Affects Control of Ground Ivy

“…Kohler et al (5) indicated that 2,4‐D was highly effective on ground ivy in spite of other contrary reports in other states (9,12). However, biotypes of ground ivy exist with varying susceptibility to 2,4‐D (6) and populations with low sensitivity to 2,4‐D may be present in these plots. Consistent with our previous findings (5), MCPP or dicamba appear to be marginally effective for control of ground ivy.…”

“…Further work by Kohler, et. al (6), found that individual biotypes of ground ivy exist among populations, which varied markedly in their susceptibility to 2,4‐D or triclopyr. Though our earlier work answered many questions on ground ivy control, ground ivy remains difficult to control.…”