Oklahoma Cucurbit Weeds

Small-seeded annual weeds becoming established in a cucurbit planting. A combination of several procedures may be needed to control all weeds found in crop.




Seedlings of (A) Hophornbeam Copperleaf (Acalypha ostryifolia), (B) Woolly Croton (Croton capitatus), and (C) Common Lambsquarters (Chenopodium album). Annual broadleaf weeds such as these may be difficult to control in cucurbit crops.

Seedlings and flowering plant of Carpetweed (Mollugo verticillata), a weed found in many cucurbit fields in Oklahoma.



 

Seedling of Cutleaf Ground cherry (Physalis angulata). Annual broadleaf weeds such as this one are most easily controlled by cultivation while plants are small.

Two of several pigweeds found in cucurbits: Tall Water hemp (Amaranthus tuberculatus) (large leaves) is one of several pigweeds that may reach five feet or more in height. Tumble Pigweed (Amaranthus albus) may reach 2-3 feet in height and is highly branched.

Horsenettles (Solanum carolinense and S. demidiatum), are perennials that can vary in leaf form and flower color. Thorns may interfere with field procedures.
 

Eclipta (Eclipta prostrata) is a broadleaf weed of increasing importance.

Removal of broadleaf weeds that escape cultivation is limited to manual means.