Contents
Description
Phalaris Minor is an annual grass weed that is native to the Mediterranean region but now grows in many different parts of the world. It is known by various names, including littleseed canarygrass, small canarygrass, and smallseed false brome. This grass weed is a serious problem in many crops, including wheat, barley, legumes, and oilseeds.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Poales |
| Family | Poaceae |
| Genus | Phalaris |
Appearance
Phalaris Minor has a fibrous root system that is shallow and branched. Its stem is erect, slender, and about 50-100 cm tall. The leaves are flat and narrow, measuring about 3-15 cm long and 2-7 mm wide. The inflorescence is a spike-like panicle that is 5-15 cm long and 1-2 cm wide. The seeds are small, oval, and about 2-3 mm long, with a shiny surface and a pale yellow or light brown color.
Care Guide
Phalaris Minor can be controlled by cultural practices such as crop rotation, tillage, and planting competitive crops. Herbicides can also be used for effective control. However, it is important to use herbicides that are effective against Phalaris Minor and are safe for the crop.
Water
Phalaris Minor prefers moist soil conditions, but it can also tolerate drought conditions.
Fertilization
Phalaris Minor does not require much fertilization, as it is a weed that thrives in poor soil conditions.
Soil
Phalaris Minor grows in a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. It prefers well-drained soils.
Sunlight
Phalaris Minor grows best in full sunlight, but it can also tolerate partial shade.
Hardiness Zones
Phalaris Minor can grow in a wide range of hardiness zones, from 2 to 10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Phalaris Minor is not usually affected by pests and diseases, as it is a weed that thrives in poor soil conditions. However, it can be affected by powdery mildew, leaf rust, and stem rust.
Habitat
Phalaris Minor grows in many different habitats, including agricultural fields, roadsides, waste areas, and disturbed sites. It is found in many different parts of the world, including North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Phalaris Minor poisonous?
A: No, Phalaris Minor is not poisonous, but it can cause problems for crops.
Q: How can I control Phalaris Minor in my crops?
A: Phalaris Minor can be controlled by cultural practices such as crop rotation, tillage, and planting competitive crops. Herbicides can also be used for effective control.
Q: Is Phalaris Minor an invasive species?
A: Yes, Phalaris Minor is considered an invasive species in many parts of the world.
Q: Can Phalaris Minor be used for anything?
A: Phalaris Minor has no known uses.
Related Plants
- Phalaris arundinacea (reed canarygrass)
- Phalaris aquatica (hardinggrass)
- Phalaris canariensis (canarygrass)
- Phalaris coerulescens (blue canarygrass)
References
- https://www.ag.ndsu.edu/publications/crops/phalaris-minor-in-north-dakota
- https://www.extension.purdue.edu/extmedia/BP/BP-52-W.pdf
- https://www.invasive.org/browse/subinfo.cfm?sub=3082
- https://www.wssa.net/wp-content/uploads/Weed-of-the-Month-Phalaris-Minor-final.pdf
