Tribulus zeyheri

Tribulus zeyheri is an annual herbaceous weed belonging to the Zygophyllaceae family. In agronomy, it is classified as a late-spring weed known for its resilience in hot, arid environments. It is characterized by its ability to thrive in soils where other vegetation might struggle due to moisture stress.

The plant is primarily found in regions across Southern Africa, appearing frequently in agricultural fields, pastures, and disturbed land. It poses a significant threat to various row crops, where its rapid growth rate allows it to quickly overwhelm young seedlings, leading to reduced agricultural productivity.

The biology of Tribulus zeyheri is notable for its prostrate stems and specialized burr-like fruits equipped with sharp spines. These features allow the weed to spread efficiently via animals and farm machinery. Its seeds are highly persistent, capable of remaining dormant in the soil for several seasons, which makes long-term management critical.

The economic impact of this weed is substantial, characterized by competition for essential soil nutrients and water. Furthermore, the presence of its spiny seeds reduces the quality of harvests, particularly in cereal crops, and poses a risk to livestock by causing physical injuries to their feet and mouths during grazing.

Effective control requires an integrated approach. Cultural methods, such as deep tillage, appropriate crop rotation, and maintaining high crop density to shade out weed seedlings, are essential. Chemically, the application of post-emergence herbicides, targeted at the early stages of plant growth, has proven to be the most effective strategy for managing established infestations.

• Utilizing pre-emergence herbicides in sensitive crops.
• Implementing regular field monitoring to prevent seed set.
• Adopting mechanical weeding in row-cropped areas.