Skip to main content
ARS Home » Southeast Area » Tifton, Georgia » Crop Protection and Management Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #146277
Title: A REVIEW OF THE BIOLOGY AND ECOLOGY OF FLORIDA BEGGARWEED (DESMODIUM TORTUOSUM)

Author
item Webster, Theodore
item CARDINA, J - OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY

Submitted to: Weed Science
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 7/29/2003
Publication Date: 3/1/2004
Citation: Webster, T.M., Cardina, J. 2004. A review of the biology and ecology of Florida beggarweed (Desmodium tortuosum). Weed Science. 52:185-200.

Interpretive Summary: Florida beggarweed is native to the Western Hemisphere, but is naturalized around the world. Over the last century, the mechanization of agriculture has transitioned Florida beggarweed from an important forage component to a weed of significance in the southeast coastal plain of the U.S. This herbaceous annual is found in fields and disturbed areas throughout the southern U.S. The characteristics that made Florida beggarweed a good forage crop, also make it a formidable weed. The importance of Florida beggarweed as a weed in the southern U.S., the taxonomy of this species, and details the distribution throughout the world and within the u.S. are summarized in this paper. The ecology of Florida beggarweed and its interactions with crop plants, insects, nematodes, and plant pathogens are also detailed. Finally, management of Florida beggarweed in agricultural systems using cultural practices and herbicides is reviewed.

Technical Abstract: Florida beggarweed is native to the Western Hemisphere, but is naturalized around the world. Over the last century, the mechanization of agriculture has transitioned Florida beggarweed from an important forage component to a weed of significance in the southeast coastal plain of the U.S. This herbaceous annual is found in fields and disturbed areas throughout the southern U.S. The characteristics that made Florida beggarweed a good forage crop, also make it a formidable weed. This review describes the importance of Florida beggarweed as a weed in the southern U.S., the taxonomy of this species, and details the distribution throughout the world and within the U.S. The ecology of Florida beggarweed and its interactions with crop plants, insects, nematodes, and plant pathogens is also summarized. Finally, management of Florida beggarweed in agricultural systems using cultural practices and herbicides is reviewed.