Farm Bullies, Obnoxious, and Irritating

Controlling, isolating, and identification of the monsters that are downright evil.

Kochia (IronWeed)
kochia scoparia L

This nasty beast grows rapidly in many soil types and takes only minimal moisture to germinate and establish a rapidly penetrating taproot. It starts in late winter and early spring, and seedlings are tolerant of moderate freezing.  Germination continues throughout the growing season from March to September. It causes problems in non tilled and established production areas. It originated in Russia and was introduced to the US in the late 1800's. It can grow to heights of six feet or more with adequate moisture.

Kochia can concentrate chemicals such as nitrates which are toxic at higher levels to sheep, goats, and cattle. It can be an issue if other forage is not available and at later stages of plant maturity. Prolific seed production, and the ability for seeds to lie dormant for many years, make it an obnoxious plant in forage and pastures. Mechanically dislodging the tiny seedlings works well as a non chemical control.

Perennial Pepper Weed (Whitetop)
lepidium latifolium L

 If there is a bully of all bullies in the plant world it is this prolific, dominating, invasive, that will form a monocultural society of massive proportions if allowed. It prefers riparian and other moist areas.

Propagation occurs from seeds and also from roots. Mechanical control is difficult because small segments of the roots of an inch or more establish themselves and create a new plant. Chemical control is marginally successful and it takes multiple seasons to eradicate it. If possible, the detection and control of single or small groups of plants is preferable. Once it becomes established in larger areas, it is literally the only plant species you will find in that dense population.

I find the similarities of this "Bully" plant to the human counterpart interesting. It is one dominating human that is the bully. They push and shove to eliminate others and eliminate competition. Larger territory is claimed as they encourage development of other dominant assistants. Gangs force others out of there claimed territory and create a philosophical monoculture.

                                         Tribulus terrestus

     Puncture Vine

This beast is obnoxious and irritating. There is nothing like the pain one can endure when stepping bare footed on one of the thorny seeds. Many many bicycle tires have been totally ruined by the little spikes that adorn every seed. 

Vehicle tires are the main transportation method and it is quite efficient. Each plant produces thousands of seeds. It spreads prostrate on the soil surface to ten feet or more in diameter. It has a long tap root and requires very little moisture to survive. 

Elimination must occur in the early vegetative or flower stage for success. 

It is even more irritating than that kid that was always poking at you in elementary school. But like puncture vine there is always another one popping up!

All three of these wonderful beasts of the plant world are prevalent in our area. They were here before me, and will, I am sure be here for many human generations to come.

I hope you have enjoyed these bits of information on things that irritate me.