American weed: how to fight, the best ways and preventive measures

American weed, or Galinsoga, is one of the fast-growing and easily adaptable herbs that can flood 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 American weed and understand how to deal with grass, it is necessary to determine the features of Galinsog.

What an American looks like

Without human intervention, Galinsog grows to a relatively large size.

This weed has the following characteristics:

• height - up to 80 centimeters;
• light green or light green leaves up to 6 centimeters long;
• juicy shoots;
• leaf edges jagged, wrinkled surface;
• flowers are small, with a bright yellow core (reminiscent of small daisies).

The American is characterized by active development. This is due to the fact that one weed bush can produce up to 20 thousand seeds per season.

The grass root system is extensive and grows to a depth of 10 centimeters. The plant can adapt to various soils, but prefers well-fertilized and moist soils.

Features of reproduction

Three factors affect the ability of an American woman to reproduce:

• degree of soil moisture;
• planting depth (seeds do not break through a layer of soil 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 when in contact with the ground.

Because of such features, the weed is able to fill a summer cottage in 1-2 seasons.

Difficulties in weed control

In addition to active development, the American weed creates other difficulties for gardeners:

• grass can grow in both sunny and shaded areas;
• the weed has no natural pests;
• American is immune to common plant diseases;
• with a sufficient level of moisture, the grass is able to produce seeds after weeding;
• seeds remain viable after passing through the gastrointestinal tract of animals and birds;
• after mowing the plant remains viable.

You can destroy an American with herbicides during the flowering period. Treating the site with chemicals in early spring does not bring a positive result: the weed from May to June will produce seeds.

Weed damage

American is characterized by rapid development, in connection with which this grass is able to suppress the growth of other crops grown on the site in a 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 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 able to cross-pollinate with other plants (mainly with cereals and cruciferous), 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 trace elements that are used in the treatment of respiratory diseases and gastrointestinal pathologies, diabetes, dropsy.

How to get rid of a pest plant in the garden

Due to the fact that the American woman is distinguished by increased vitality, it is recommended to deal with 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 site is treated more than once per season. Such an 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, apply:

• Hurricane Forte;
• Roundup;
• Tornado.

Also, herbicides give a positive result when treated in the fall, 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 the site will have to be re-treated.

Siderates

Green manures are mainly used to prevent the appearance of weeds. These plants are recommended to sow empty areas on the site after harvest. In the summer in such places they grow Shrovetide turnips, mustard or rapeseed. Before winter, it is recommended to sow crops. The use of green manure also has 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 highly efficient. This way of dealing with an American gives good results if the following rules are followed:

1. Weed the area from weeds should be before flowering. This is given no more than 2-3 weeks.
2. If the weed appeared in the garden, where there are no cultivated plants, the American should be dug up. This method is more effective than weeding, because after pulling out the grass, roots may remain in the ground.
3. Weed grass should not be left between rows of beds and used as mulch.
4. Weed the beds should be 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.

Using film

The film is used as a budget replacement for mulching.This weed control option is also considered effective, since the material does not let the sun's rays through and inhibits the development of grass. The disadvantage of this method is that pests that damage cultivated plants often accumulate under the film.

Folk remedies

A mixture consisting of the following components helps in the fight against the American:

• a few drops of dishwashing detergent;
• tablespoon of s alt;
• liter of 9% vinegar.

The resulting mixture should 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 mainly used in cases where there is not enough time to weed and mulch the area. It is difficult to avoid contact of the described solutions with cultivated plants. And this can lead to lower yields.

In the fight against weeds, sowing lawn grass next to an American has proven itself. Also, a positive effect is observed if fast-growing annual flowers are planted in areas where weeds are likely to appear: petunia, nasturtium and others.

Prevention measures

In order to prevent the appearance of weeds on the site, it is recommended:

• regular deep cultivation (after harvest and early spring);
• sow free zones on the plot with lawn grass or flowers;
• sow green manure in free areas during the summer;
• after visiting the areas where the American grows, you should rinse your shoes under running water.

As already noted, the American woman is distinguished by increased vitality. Therefore, this weed should be de alt with immediately after the first plants appear on the site.

Recommended