Invasive weed threatens California rice

Winged primrose willow goes erect, unlike other waterprimroses, which grown prostrate on the ground.

Winged primrose willow grows erect, unlike other waterprimroses, which grow prostrate on the ground.

Winged primrose willow, a weed native to South America, was found last fall in a few Butte County rice fields, alarming agriculture officials about its possible spread to Colusa and Glenn counties, said an article in the Colusa County Sun-Herald.

The weed is highly invasive, produces vast quantities of seeds and survives under a wide range of hydrological and climatic conditions.

"Farmers have to keep an eye out for this weed, and let us know if they think they have it," said Luis Espino, UC Cooperative Extension advisor in Colusa, Glenn and Yolo counties, a rice production expert.

Unlike other waterprimroses, the winged primrose willow can grow within flooded rice fields, which makes it even more problematic for local farmers if it should get established in this area, Espino said.

Posted on Friday, April 27, 2012 at 10:25 AM

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