Botanical characteristics and distribution area of sun spurge seed

Sun spurge is an undesirable presence in fields that infests crops of grain crops, alfalfa, vineyards, and other vegetable gardens. Timely identification of its viable germs in seed material helps to prevent the contamination of clean areas. Control of this weed is critically important for maintaining harvest quality and ensuring the safety of feed.

Seed morphology and distribution range of the weed

The seeds of the harmful plant have an ovoid shape, rounded in cross-section and noticeably widened at the base. At the top of the seed, there is a small, obliquely truncated seed appendage that is heart-oval in shape. The seed raphe is keeled and clearly runs along the ventral side. The matte surface of the seed has a characteristic polyhedral-cellular structure, with the cavities of the cells being punctate-rough.

The seed color varies from grayish-green and greenish-brown to almost black. The sides of the cells and the seed appendage have a contrasting light yellow color. The capsules of the plant itself are three-celled, opening directly along the valves.

• Capsule length — 23,5 mm
• Seed length — 1,752,5 mm
• Seed width — 1,752 mm
• Seed thickness — 1,752 mm

The weed infests agricultural lands in various climatic zones. To prevent its expansion, it is important to control the purity of sowing material on farms in these regions. The main distribution zones of sun spurge include the following territories:

• European part (almost everywhere, except for the north, predominantly in the central and southern districts);
• Crimea;
• Caucasus;
• Central Asia.