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Title: Puncturevine, Tribulus terrestris PNW0133

Author
item PARKER, ROBERT - WA ST UNIV
item Boydston, Rick

Submitted to: Experiment Station Bulletins
Publication Type: Experiment Station
Publication Acceptance Date: 4/2/2007
Publication Date: 5/1/2007
Citation: Parker, R., Boydston, R.A. 2007. Puncturevine, Tribulus terrestris PNW0133. Experiment Station Bulletins.Pacific Northwest Extension Publication, Washington State University. 4 pp. 2007.

Interpretive Summary: Puncturevine is a troublesome summer annual weed that is often difficult to control along field and road margins. It reproduces from seed formed in woody, spiny fruits that are easily spread by tires, shoes, and animals. Puncturevine burs can be difficult to remove from peas and lima bean seed and is a serious problem in perennial crops, such as asparagus, tree and vine crops. The stiff, sharp spines are a nuisance in many settings and grazing of the foliage can poison livestock. Proper identification, biology, and life cycle of the plant are described in this extension publication. Cultural, mechanical, biological, and chemical control options for puncturevine are discussed.

Technical Abstract: Puncturevine is a troublesome summer annual weed that is often difficult to control along field and road margins. It reproduces from seed formed in woody, spiny fruits that are easily spread by tires, shoes, and animals. Puncturevine burs can be difficult to remove from peas and lima bean seed and is a serious problem in perennial crops, such as asparagus, tree and vine crops. The stiff, sharp spines are a nuisance in many settings and grazing of the foliage can poison livestock. Proper identification, biology, and life cycle of the plant are described in this extension publication. Cultural, mechanical, biological, and chemical control options for puncturevine are discussed.