Field bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis)
Biocontrol Program 

Field bindweed was Kansas' first noxious weed and was reported to infest 1.9 million acres during 2005, the most of any noxious weed.  Originated from Europe and a perennial, field bindweed can reproduce with seeds that can survive up to 30 years or vegetative from lateral roots or rhizomes.  This extensive root system, reaching depths up to 30 feet, allows field bindweed to recover from mechanical and/or chemical control.    Field bindweed is characterized by having arrow shaped leaves and white to pink flowers.

The bindweed gall mite (Aceria malherbae) offers a potential to biologically control field bindweed.  The gall mites create small galls on midrib of leaves, which cause the field bindweed leaves to twist and fold.  Heavily infested plants remain small, do not bloom and consequently do not produce seed.

Cooperating with Kansas State University Department of Entomology, KDA made eight new releases of the bindweed gall mite across Kansas during the summer of 2006.  After inoculating potted field bindweed with gall mites, the plants were placed in the ground near already established field bindweed.  It is expected after several years and after the gall mites has reproduced and expanded, collections can be made and transported to other infestations.  In the next several years, KDA will continue to expand the initial gall mite infestations across Kansas counties.