- Author: Thomas Getts
- Author: Rachael Freeman Long
- Author: Lynn M. Sosnoskie
As you're thinking about winter weed management in alfalfa production, keep in mind the need for common groundsel control.
Groundsel (Senecio vulgaris) is highly toxic to livestock at all growth stages because it contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PA) which can cause chronic and irreversible liver disease in animals. Cattle and horses are most sensitive to the PAs, followed by pigs and chickens, and then sheep, goats and turkeys, which are the least sensitive to PA toxicity. Younger animals are typically more sensitive than adults. Therefore, the identification and control of groundsel in forages is important for preventing livestock PA poisonings.
What is...
- Author: Rachael Freeman Long
Fiddleneck is everywhere this year, and common groundsel is common too! As winter annuals, these weeds are early-season plants. They tend to be shallow rooted, and do best in wet conditions like we've been having with all our rainfall this season.
Colorful but Deadly. Fiddleneck (Amsinckia spp.) may look bright and colorful on our hillsides, but this weed, as well as groundsel (Senecio vulgaris), are toxic to livestock, because they contain toxins known as pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) that affect the liver. Cattle and horses are most sensitive to PAs; pigs and chickens are less sensitive, and sheep, goats and turkeys are the least sensitive. Younger animals are more susceptible than...