Field mouse-ear

Field mouse-ear (Cerastium arvense) is a perennial herbaceous weed belonging to the Caryophyllaceae family. It is classified as a creeping rhizomatous weed, which allows it to spread rapidly across fields. Due to its aggressive growth habit, it forms dense mats that successfully outcompete many agricultural crops.

This weed is commonly found in pastures, meadows, winter grain fields, and fallow lands. It thrives in various soil types and is particularly problematic in permanent grassland and cereals where it can colonize areas quickly, causing significant yield losses if left unmanaged during the early growth stages of the crop.

The biology of Cerastium arvense is defined by a deep and branching root system that enables overwintering and vegetative propagation. Flowering occurs from late spring through mid-summer, producing numerous seeds that can persist in the soil seed bank for several years, ensuring the long-term presence of the weed in the field.

The agricultural impact is severe due to the weed’s ability to compete for moisture, nutrients, and sunlight. By forming a dense ground cover, it reduces the vitality of the crop, delays maturity, and interferes with harvesting operations, leading to decreased crop quality and quantity.

Control strategies should be integrated: mechanical methods like intensive tillage and cultivation help break up the rhizomes and exhaust the weed’s energy reserves. Chemical control is often necessary in heavily infested fields, involving systemic post-emergence herbicides specifically selected for broad-leaved perennials.