Sticky mouse-ear

Sticky mouse-ear (Cerastium glomeratum) is a common weed species belonging to the Caryophyllaceae family. It is typically an annual herbaceous plant, though it frequently behaves as a winter annual in mild climates, allowing it to establish itself during the autumn and emerge vigorously in early spring before many crops.

This weed is found in a variety of environments, including cultivated fields, pastures, and disturbed urban areas. In agriculture, it poses a significant threat to cereal crops, legumes, and vegetable fields, where its rapid growth rate allows it to outcompete emerging seedlings for essential soil moisture, nitrogen, and sunlight.

The biology of Cerastium glomeratum is centered on its prolific seed production. A single plant can produce thousands of seeds that are easily dispersed by wind, water, or farm machinery. These seeds exhibit dormancy, ensuring that a seed bank is maintained in the soil profile, which facilitates re-infestation over several consecutive growing seasons.

The harmful impact of this weed is primarily nutritional and competitive. By forming dense carpets in the early stages of crop development, the weed stunts the growth of young crops and delays their maturation. Furthermore, the foliage of this species can retain moisture near the soil surface, potentially increasing the risk of root rots and fungal pathogens.

Effective control strategies for Sticky mouse-ear include the following measures:

• Cultivation techniques such as deep plowing to bury seeds and prevent emergence.
• Mechanical weeding (inter-row cultivation) during the early growth stages of the crop.
• Chemical control using selective herbicides that target broad-leaved weeds during their vegetative stage.
• Proper crop rotation to disrupt the life cycle of the weed and minimize the reliance on chemical inputs.