Characteristics of seeds and distribution area of field pepperweed

How to identify field pepperweed and prevent crop infestation

Field pepperweed belongs to the Brassicaceae Burnett family, although some supporting materials also list the Papaveraceae Juss. family. This weed actively infests spring and winter cereal crops, as well as alfalfa. Its distribution range covers the southern regions of the European part, Crimea, and the Caucasus.

For timely identification of the weed, it is important to know the external characteristics of its seeds. They have an obovate or oval shape with a slightly pointed base and a seed scar covered by a light yellow film. The seed surface is matte, coarsely roughened, covered with fine dots, and colored dark brown with a deep cherry tint. Two shallow grooves run along the sides, reaching halfway up the seed or slightly higher.

• Silicle length — 45 mm
• Seed length — 22.25 mm
• Seed width — 1.251.5 mm
• Seed thickness — 11.25 mm