Tumble mustard (Sisymbrium altissimum) is a winter or summer annual weed native to Europe. It invades rangeland, rights-of-way, gardens, and other disturbed sites. Tumble mustard spreads quickly when mature plants break off and tumble across the landscape for miles, leaving seeds in their wake. Seedlings grow rapidly, choking out native vegetation and reducing biodiversity.
Tumble mustard originates from a rosette, then a single stem will bolt out of the middle. Stems branch giving plants a bushy appearance. Stems are covered in coarse hairs and can grow up to 5 feet tall. Rosette leaves are large and have deep lobes. The upper leaves are smaller and narrow. Flowers are small, yellow and have four petals. flowers are produced in the spring and early summer. Seeds are produced in narrow pods that are 2-4 inches long. Each pod is filled with small rust-colored seeds. Tumble mustard reproduces from seed, seeds are easily spread when the plant breaks off and tumbles across the landscape. Seeds can survive in the soil for many years.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Options:
Prevention— Learn to identify this plant. Clean equipment before leaving infested areas. Control tumble mustard before seed is produced to prevent further spread.
Mechanical— Hand pulling is easiest when tumble mustard is in the rosette stage. Use mechanical methods like mowing to prevent plants from producing flowers and seed.
Cultural— Developing a good stand of beneficial plants is one of the best weed preventors. Seeds germinate after soil disturbance, reducing soil disturbance is an important component of an IPM plan for tumble mustard.
Chemical— Tumble mustard can easily be controlled using appropriate broadleaf herbicides like 2,4-D, and MCPA. Always read and follow herbicide label directions! Herbicides should be used in conjunction with other control options for the best long term results.
Justin Hatch, University of Idaho Extension Agriculture Educator in Caribou and Bear Lake Counties. 208-547-3205 JLHatch@uidaho.edu.
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