Overview
In recent years there has been a decline of N. paniculata in Canadian crops; however, it is still considered a detrimental weed to canola (though does not typically lead to significant losses, depending on the population pressure). If infestation occurs it can be very difficult to distinguish ball mustard from canola, which makes this weed more difficult to manage.
Main description
Seedling
The cotyledons of Ball Mustard are round in shape and measure 6-8 mm in width on average. Its stalks are short and hairless. The first leaves are oblong and have lanceolate tips, which are covered in star shaped hairs.
Mature plant
The leaves of Ball Mustard are 2-6 cm in length grow alternate of one another. The leaves are also covered in star-shaped hairs which are a key defining feature. Lower leaves are lanceolate (lance-shaped) in shape and upper leaves are sessile (have no stalks). The mature plant is yellowish green in colour and can vary in size from 15-100 cm in height with branching. The stems are also covered in stellate (star-shaped) hairs giving it a yellowish green appearance. Flowers are up to 3 mm across and are a deep yellow to orange colour.
Optimal growth conditions
Ball mustard does best in nutrient rich soils and clay, but can also grow in damp soils that are poorly aerated. Conversely, it does not do well in hot or dry conditions.
Crops
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Barley
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Canary Seed
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Chickpeas
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Established Grasses
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Fall Rye
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Field Corn
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Flax
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Lentils
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LibertyLink Corn Hybrids
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Oats
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Peas
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Seedling Grasses
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Sweet Corn
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Wheat
Visit the Bayer CropScience Compendium site for more details »