Morphology and distribution range of the weed Zygophyllum fabago

Bean caper (family ZYGOPHYLLACEAE R.Br., in some classifications also attributed to the family FABACEAE Lindl.) poses a serious threat to clean crops. This weed actively reduces yield and contaminates the harvested product. Controlling it requires increased attention due to its toxicity. The main distribution area of the pest includes the southern regions of the European part, Crimea, the Caucasus, and Central Asia.

The weed is most dangerous on irrigated lands, where it infests the following crops:

• wheat;
• cotton;
• alfalfa;
• hemp;
• melons.

Morphological features and seed identification

The fruit of the weed consists of angular four- or five-sided capsules. The seeds themselves are obovate, angular-oval in shape, strongly compressed from the sides, and slightly obliquely truncated near the base. A small, protruding yellowish appendage is clearly visible in the middle part of the seed seam. The seed surface is matte, with a spongy, loose structure. An intense black color of the seed coat is hidden under a top gray or grayish-brown coating.

• Length — 34 mm
• Width — 1.51.75 mm
• Thickness — 2.253 mm