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Larry Sagers Horticultural Specialist Utah State University Extension Service Thanksgiving Point Office © All Rights Reserved
Glyphosate (Roundup) is probably the easiest and safest product for most homeowners to use during hot weather. It is non-selective and it will affects any plant it touches.
Bindweed control in established plantings is difficult. Selective treatments of glyphosate must be applied carefully so that the herbicide contacts the weed but does not get on desirable plants. Spray bottles, sponges, or paint brushes are often used to apply herbicides.
Apply herbicide to bindweed growing in desirable plants by using a cotton glove over a rubber glove. Dip the glove into weed killer and wipe onto the leaves. Commercial equipment is also available to wipe the herbicide on the weeds.
Another way to keep it off of desirable plants is to use an old milk jug or other plastic bottle with the bottom removed as a shield. Insert your spray wand into the opening on the top and tap it in place. Set the jug over the top of the plant you want to control and the spray it. that prevents drift or overspray from hitting the other plants.
Alternatively, long strands of bindweed can be physically separated from ornamental plants and laid on newspapers spread over the top of the plant. Spray the bindweed carefully, allow it to dry, and then remove the newspapers. This protects desirable plants while allowing good contact with the weedy vines.
Fortunately, glyphosate does not carry over in the soil. It is relatively non toxic to humans and is safe to use in most garden situations. It is systemic so it will translocate down into the extensive root and rhizome system and help kill the plant. If you do not kill the underground part of the plant, your control will be inconsistent and temporary.
If there is a glimmer of hope in this battle it is that the price has gone down on some of the herbicide treatments. Glyphosate is no longer sold as only Roundup because the patent has expired and many companies now sell it.
Currently around 200 glyphosate products are registered in Utah. A partial list of the glyphosate products include: Avail, Blot Out, Kleenup, Systemic Weed and Grass Killer, Rodeo, Killzall, Accord, Mirage, Rattler, Ranger and Honcho. Check the label and the product strength before you buy tp make certain you are getting the best value.
Glyphosate is currently available as the active ingredient in many products. The liquid products range from a 0.5% ready to use to concentrates of up to 53.8% active glyphosate. There is also a dry flowable formulation that is 94% active ingredient. Some of these products need a surfactant, some are ready to use. Check each label for specific instructions. Most ready-to-use sprays are too dilute to have effect on bindweed.
