Overview
Common buckwheat is an annual plant that has distinct large heart shaped leaves. This fast-growing broadleaf weed has the ability to out-grow and shade crops resulting in a strong competition for both soil nutrients and sun light. A key defining feature of F. esculentum is its hollow stems, which greatly aid in identification and scouting.
Main description
Seedling
Seeds germinate very rapidly, forming a heart-shaped narrow cotyledon with hollow stems.
Mature plant
Common buckwheat has large heart shaped leaves and does exhibit some branching. Stems are green to brown and are hollow. Its flowers grow in dense groups ranging from white to pink in colour. This plant requires cross pollination to facilitate fertilization. At maturity, buckwheat can range from 60-150 cm in height. Buckwheat forms a dense, highly branched root system, where most of the roots can be found within the first 30 cm of the soil.
Optimal growth conditions
Common buckwheat excels in conditions of high moisture and cool temperatures. It can also grow in acidic conditions, but does not do well in dry or extremely wet soils.
Crops
-
Seedling Alfalfa
-
Sorghum
-
Triticale
Visit the Bayer CropScience Compendium site for more details »