A long-term plan should be developed if sustainable control is desired. Additionally, severe infestations of field bindweed may suppress the germination of other weed seeds in the seedbank. Knowing the field history may assist in preparing for this potential problem. Field bindweed responds to plowing, discing, and rod weeding by increasing bud formation just below the tillage layer. New shoots rapidly emerge and carbohydrate reserves are replenished in a few weeks.
Tillage is clearly effective on seedlings.
However, plants may form perennial buds within six weeks of emergence. Tillage used for seedling control should be conducted within the first few weeks to prevent plants from surviving. Infrequent tillage used in fallowed fields or within orchards may actually promote field bindweed infestations by eliminating annual weed competition and spreading root fragments around. If field bindweed patches are evident, avoid tilling them to prevent spread of the rootstocks. In this case, spot treatment herbicide applications will be more effective.