Rumex obtusifolius
(broad-leaved dock)

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Identity

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Preferred Scientific Name

• Rumex obtusifolius L.

Preferred Common Name

• broad-leaved dock

International Common Names

• English: bitter dock
• Spanish: acedera de hojas obtusas; acedera obtusifolia; romaza de hoja grande
• French: patience à feuilles obtuses
• Portuguese: labaca-obtusa; manteigueira

Local Common Names

• Czech Republic: stovik tupolisty
• Germany: Stumfblättriger Ampfer
• Greece: lapatho
• Italy: lingua di capra; romice a foglie ottuse; romice comune; romice dei tetti
• Japan: ezonogishigishi
• Netherlands: zuring, ridder-
• Poland: Szczaw tepolistny
• Sweden: skraeppa, tomt-

EPPO code

• RUMOB (Rumex obtusifolius)

Summary of Invasiveness

Top of page R. obtusifolius can be an invasive species on account of its prolific production of seeds, which can remain viable for a long time, its capability for vegetative reproduction, and adaptability to different environments. Mature plants are capable of withstanding unfavourable climatic conditions, such as severe cold and drought, thanks to the deep spreading root. It is primarily a weed of grassland, and in this habitat it benefits from agricultural practices which lead to disturbance or eutrophication. It reduces production from grassland and lowers the feeding value of the sward to animals.

Taxonomic Tree

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• Domain: Eukaryota
•     Kingdom: Plantae
•         Phylum: Spermatophyta
•             Subphylum: Angiospermae
•                 Class: Dicotyledonae
•                     Order: Polygonales
•                         Family: Polygonaceae
•                             Genus: Rumex
•                                 Species: Rumex obtusifolius

Notes on Taxonomy and Nomenclature

Top of page The Latin name Rumex obtusifolius given by Linnaeus seems to be the only name in use in modern literature. The species is highly variable. Subspecies described by Rechinger and Akeroyd (1993) include:

- subsp. obtusifolius (subsp. agrestis) (Fries) Èelak - native in Western Europe
- subsp. subalpinus (Schur.) Èelak - occurring in the Carpathians and mountains of the Balkan peninsula and in Western Asia
- subsp. transiens (Simonk.) Rech. f. - native in Central Europe, where the areas of subsp. obtusifolius and subsp. sylvestris overlap
- subsp. sylvestris - native of Europe from Italy and Sweden eastwards and in the Caucasus.

Recently, Stace (1997) recommended a division into varieties for the British Isles:

- var. obtusifolius
- var. microcarpus Dierb. (subsp. sylvestris (Wallr.) Celak.)
- var. transiens (Simonk.) Kubat (subsp. transiens (Simonk.) Rech. f.)

Characteristic morphological features of plant leaves are reflected in the Latin word 'obtusifolius', which means 'with blunt leaves', and common names in many languages, such as French, Polish and Czech, are a translation of this word.

Description

Top of page R. obtusifolius is an erect perennial herb, 40-150 cm tall, with a stout, branched taproot, extending to a depth of 150 cm in soils that allow deep root penetration. Over the taproot, adult plants develop a fleshy underground stem, 3-5 cm long, with a branched crown. Basal rosette leaves and leafy stems develop from the crown. Stems are stiff, glabrous, ribbed with reddish blotches. Basal and lower leaves are petioled, ovate-oblong, with a cordate base and a rounded apex, and have a large and paper-like ochrea. Upper leaves are narrow, ovate-lanceolate to lanceolate at the top with a pointed apex. Lamina are 10-30 cm long and 6-15 cm wide, becoming progressively smaller upwards, slightly wavy along their margins, green, may be reddish-veined, turning more reddish-purple with age.

Inflorescences are 15-50 cm long racemes, with alternate leaves without petioles among the branches. Flowers, arranged in whorls, are small, with 6 inner valves, sometimes called tepals, which are 3-6 mm long and 2-3 mm wide, triangular to oblong-ovate, on pedicels 5-10 mm long, green in the beginning and reddish-brown at maturity. Fruit is a triangular achene, enclosed within three inner perianth segments, up to 5-6 mm long and 3 mm wide, with three to five teeth. The seeds are polymorphic, differing in size.

Plant Type

Top of page Broadleaved
Herbaceous
Perennial
Seed propagated
Vegetatively propagated

Distribution

Top of page R. obtusifolius is native to Eurasia but has been introduced to all continents. It is distributed mainly in temperate regions but can also be found inside the Arctic Circle and at high altitude in equatorial areas. Hultén (1950) describes it as a circumpolar plant and gives its northernmost limits as 68°N latitude.

Distribution Table

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The distribution in this summary table is based on all the information available. When several references are cited, they may give conflicting information on the status. Further details may be available for individual references in the Distribution Table Details section which can be selected by going to Generate Report.

Last updated: 10 Jan 2020

History of Introduction and Spread

Top of page R. obtusifolius has been described as a 'follower of man' by Cavers and Harper (1964), who attribute its absence from high altitude areas in the UK to the lack of land disturbance. The original dates of its introduction are not normally noted. Vibrans (1998) reports that it was already present in Mexico a few years after the arrival of the first Europeans and was described in the Codice Florentino, which was written around 1550 in Mexico.

Risk of Introduction

Top of page In the UK, R. obtusifolius is specified as one of the five injurious weeds in the 1959 Weeds Act which require prevention from seeding, and its control can be enforced on an occupier of land (DEFRA, 2002). In the USA it is listed as an invasive weed (USDA-NRCS, 2002).

Habitat

Top of page R. obtusifolius is present in cool temperate permanent grasslands throughout the world (Holm et al., 1977). On agricultural land it commonly grows in meadows and pastures, abandoned fields, field borders, hedgerows and orchards. It also occurs as a ruderal on roadsides, ditchbanks, and along riversides and streams, and can be found in woodland margins and forest clearings.

Habitat List

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Category	Sub-Category	Habitat	Presence	Status
Terrestrial
	Terrestrial – Managed	Cultivated / agricultural land	Present, no further details	Harmful (pest or invasive)
		Managed forests, plantations and orchards	Present, no further details	Harmful (pest or invasive)
		Managed grasslands (grazing systems)	Present, no further details	Harmful (pest or invasive)
		Disturbed areas	Present, no further details	Harmful (pest or invasive)
		Rail / roadsides	Present, no further details	Harmful (pest or invasive)
		Urban / peri-urban areas	Present, no further details	Harmful (pest or invasive)
	Terrestrial ‑ Natural / Semi-natural	Natural forests	Present, no further details	Harmful (pest or invasive)
		Riverbanks	Present, no further details	Harmful (pest or invasive)
		Wetlands	Present, no further details	Harmful (pest or invasive)
Littoral
		Coastal areas	Present, no further details	Harmful (pest or invasive)

Hosts/Species Affected

Top of page R. obtusifolius is not normally a weed of crops. However, Pino et al. (1998) report that in recent decades the species has seriously invaded irrigated lucerne (= alfalfa) (Medicago sativa) crops in Spain. It was also noted in lucerne crops in Tasmania (TAD, 1974) and New Zealand (Askarian et al., 1993).

Biology and Ecology

Top of page Genetics

The chromosome number is 2n = 40. Hybridization between R. obtusifolius and other members of the subgenus Rumex occurs frequently (Cavers and Harper, 1964). The commonest hybrid is R. crispus x R. obtusifolius, described as R. acutus by Linnaeus and also as R. pratensis Mert & Koch. It can be recognized by intermediate leaves and tepals. This is the most fertile Rumex hybrid, and produces some viable seeds. Other hybrids, with R. longifolius, R. confertus, and R. patientia, are virtually sterile.

Physiology and Phenology

Germination of R. obtusifolius seeds can occur in any month of the year (Cavers and Harper, 1964), although it is concentrated in March-April and in August-October. The species shows very high sensitivity to light; germination of its seeds is controlled by phytochrome (Taylorson and Hendricks, 1972) and is more rapid in the presence of light (Milberg, 1997). Daylight or near-red light stimulates germination, whereas far-red light, increased by the presence of a leaf canopy, inhibits it (Takaki et al., 1981). Seeds can also germinate in the absence of light after an exposure to alternating temperatures (van Assche and Vanlerberghe, 1989); this accounts for the spring flush of germination when the temperature fluctuations in the soil are very large. Constant temperatures induce secondary dormancy (Roberts and Totterdell, 1981). Benvenuti et al. (2001) report that thermal optima for germination are between 20 and 25°C in light or in darkness. In their study seedlings did not emerge when seeds were buried at a depth of more than 8 cm. Seeds exhibit great within- and between-plant polymorphism, which enables germination under various environmental conditions (Honek and Martinkovà, 2002). Unlike seeds buried in the autumn in the soil that pass through annual dormancy/non-dormancy cycles, the seeds continuously shed from dry standing shoots of R. obtusifolius become germinable all year round, after a short period of burial.

In the seedling year most plants remain at the rosette stage and a long stout rootstock is produced, but flowering and seed set do not normally take place until the second year, unless competition from other plants is weak. A dense sward limits the juvenile growth and establishment of R. obtusifolius in grassland (Jeangros and Nösberger, 1990). The establishment of young plants is favoured by frequent mowing (Hongo, 1989). Adult R. obtusifolius plants in the close vicinity of the seedlings exert a negative influence on their survival (Makuchi and Kanda, 1980).

The plant is a hemicryptophyte and after overwintering regrowth from the rosette usually takes place in late February-March. New shoots are produced from buds on the underground stem. Inflorescences are first formed in early May and may be initiated until the first severe frost (Cavers and Harper, 1964). Flowering and seed set can occur twice in one growing season, first flowers appearing in May-June and the second, after cutting and regrowth of shoots, in August-September. Individual plants may live for at least 5 years. Inflorescences are produced every year under normal conditions and plants do not usually die after producing seed.

Reproductive Biology

Reproduction is amphimictic. Flowers have no nectar and are mainly wind-pollinated. Most individuals are highly self-fertile, although there is variation in this respect between plants.

Propagation is mainly by seeds, produced in very large numbers, varying from less than 100 to 60,000 per plant in a single year. Fruits can be blown for a considerable distance by wind, be carried floating on water, and be dispersed via the digestive system of birds and animals (Cavers and Harper, 1964). Spines on the fruit assist in long-distance distribution by animals, attached to fur or feathers, and by humans.

Seeds may remain viable for a long period when buried deeply in the soil; 83% germinated after burial for 21 years (Toole and Brown, 1946).

In a study carried out by Pino et al. (1995), R. obtusifolius plants showed a clonal growth system in which the roots branch after the first flowering and produce adventitious roots, which accumulate reserves over the next 2 years and separate from the original taproot in the fifth year. This 'phalanx' type of growth allows the plant to reproduce in areas where seedling establishment is inhibited by competition for space. It also has the capacity of vegetative propagation from fragments of root or underground stem split up by cultivation. This is a less important method of reproduction than through seeds; it can, however, significantly facilitate the spread of the species locally (Brock, 1972; Pino et al., 1995).

Environmental Requirements

Growth and development are promoted by climatic conditions typical for temperate regions. Cavers and Harper (1964) state that for the UK there does not seem to be any climatic limitation of the species. It is present inside the Arctic Circle in Northern Scandinavia, can be found at various altitudes and was recorded at 3200 m in Mexico.

R. obtusifolius can grow on a wide range of soils, except peat (Cavers and Harper, 1964). Ellenberg (1974) classifies it as indifferent to pH but its growth is inhibited on the most acid soils. It is a typically nitrophilous plant (Melzer et al., 1984) and shows high abundance on soils with high potassium concentrations (Humphreys et al., 1999). It is favoured by humid conditions, but mature plants with a well-established root system are capable of withstanding severe drought periods.

Associations

No mycorrhizal root symbionts have been recorded.

Latitude/Altitude Ranges

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Air Temperature

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Rainfall

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Rainfall Regime

Top of page Uniform

Soil Tolerances

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Soil drainage

• free
• impeded
• seasonally waterlogged

Soil reaction

• acid
• alkaline
• neutral

Soil texture

• heavy
• light
• medium

Natural enemies

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Notes on Natural Enemies

Top of page Cavers and Harper (1964) give a list of parasites and predators of R. obtusifolius, which includes 32 insect species and 12 fungi species. Shim et al. (2001) record 85 insect species associated with R. obtusifolius, a naturalized plant in Korea. In the UK the most studied invertebrate herbivore species is a chrysomelid beetle Gastrophysa viridula, suggested as a potential agent for biological control. In Japan, a similar capacity was shown for G. atrocyanea (Miyazaki and Naito, 1973). In natural conditions, grazing by herbivores does not result in the total destruction of R. obtusifolius plants. Of plant pathogens, a rust fungus Uromyces rumicis, specific to the genus, and the honey fungus Armillaria mellea, can cause particular damage to the weed.

Means of Movement and Dispersal

Top of page Natural Dispersal (Non-Biotic)

Propagation is mainly by seeds produced in very large numbers. Long-distance dispersal is achieved by wind and water.

Vector Transmission (Biotic)

By humans and animals, attached with the spines on the fruit. Ingested seeds are resistant to digestion and are spread in the droppings (SAC, 1986).

Agricultural Practices

Cultivation, which causes root fragmentation, facilitates vegetative reproduction of the weed and aids its local spread. Nishida (2002) attributes invasion of R. obtusifolius into agricultural land in Japan to application of manure from cattle fed on imported feed contaminated with weed seeds.

Pathway Vectors

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Impact Summary

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Impact

Top of page R. obtusifolius is considered to be one of the most troublesome weeds in intensively managed permanent grassland (Holm et al., 1977; Jeangros and Nösberger, 1990; Niggli et al., 1993). It reduces production from grassland by reducing grass yields. Oswald and Haggar (1983) showed that densities of 5-10 plants/m² resulted in a reduction in total grass herbage of up to 30%. In infrequently cut swards the effect on grass yield is directly related to the percentage ground cover, with an approximately 1% decline in grass DM yield for each per cent ground cover of the weed (Courtney, 1985). Courtney and Johnston (1978) report that, on average, both the palatability and the digestibility are about 20% less for R. obtusifolius than for grasses. Therefore its feeding value for the grazing animal is only about 65% that of grasses. Digestibility of woody stems and inflorescences is only about 50% that of grass; intake by both cattle and sheep falls significantly after flowering (McGhie et al., 1983; Derrick et al., 1993).

Environmental Impact

Top of page Studies of Lutts et al. (1987), Carballeira et al. (1988) and Carral et al. (1988) showed that the presence of R. obtusifolius plants exerts allelopathic control over gemination and root growth of grasses. The area and the intensity of the effect increased with the size of individual plants. Roots are resistant to decomposition and infection by some fungi and bacteria due to the presence of organic acids and naphthalene and anthraquinone derivatives in the tissue (Kasai et al., 1982).

Impact: Biodiversity

Top of page Impacts of R. obtusifolius as an alien species on native plant communities have not been documented.

Social Impact

Top of page No relevant instances have been documented.

Risk and Impact Factors

Top of page Invasiveness

• Invasive in its native range
• Proved invasive outside its native range
• Highly adaptable to different environments
• Tolerates, or benefits from, cultivation, browsing pressure, mutilation, fire etc
• Highly mobile locally
• Has high reproductive potential
• Has propagules that can remain viable for more than one year

Impact outcomes

• Negatively impacts agriculture
• Reduced native biodiversity

Impact mechanisms

• Competition - monopolizing resources

Likelihood of entry/control

• Highly likely to be transported internationally accidentally
• Difficult/costly to control

Uses

Top of page Trichopoulou et al. (2000) report that R. obtusifolius is used in the traditional diet of rural Greece as a wild edible green, consumed in various ways. Analysis of its flavonoid content shows that it contains twice the amount of quercetin contained in onions (Allium cepa).

A study in Zealand (Waghorn and Jones, 1989) suggested that condensed tannin in R. obtusifolius prevents bloat in cattle.

Harada and Hatanaka (2001) report that it can be a useful plant for reducing thallium (Tl) concentration in the soil.

Similarities to Other Species/Conditions

Top of page The species which can be most readily confused with R. obtusifolius is R. crispus, especially as it occurs in similar habitats. Lamina of R. crispus leaves are narrower and have strongly wavy margins. The taproot in R. crispus is usually smaller and less branched in the upper part. Tepals of the flowers are heart-shaped with entire margins, whereas in R. obtusifolius they are triangular and have toothed margins. Young R. obtusifolius plants may be confused with R. conglomeratus on the account of morphological similarity of tepals with indistinct teeth and leaves without a pronounced heart-shaped base.

Prevention and Control

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Due to the variable regulations around (de)registration of pesticides, your national list of registered pesticides or relevant authority should be consulted to determine which products are legally allowed for use in your country when considering chemical control. Pesticides should always be used in a lawful manner, consistent with the product's label.

Cultural Control

In Japan, Sakanoue et al. (1995) used mixed grazing by goats and cows on a permanent pasture, and after 3 years reported effective control of R. obtusifolius by goats through a process of defoliation, suppression of propagation, and population decrease. SAC (1986) recommend, as a preventive measure, maintaining a dense, well-managed grassland sward, which can minimise infestation since seedlings of R. obtusifolius are poor competitors and seed germination is inhibited in the presence of a dense leaf canopy. The choice of high-tillering and persistent grasses further reduces competition from R. obtusifolius. Moreover, excessive treading and poaching in pastures should be avoided.

In a study carried out in Austria, Poetsch and Krautzer (2002) obtained a significant reduction of seed germination within three weeks of composting of farmyard manure, and they state that it can therefore be seen as an efficient tool to interrupt the R. obtusifolius seed cycle on grassland farms. Storage in silage significantly reduces the viability of mature seeds (Masuda et al., 1984). Humphreys et al. (1997) report that after being subjected to 100 days in silage, seeds were non-viable. Humphreys et al. (1999) discuss the possibility of limiting the abundance of R. obtusifolius in grassland by maintaining moderate soil K concentration. Balanced fertilizer use, especially N and K, may prevent its spread (SAC, 1986).

Mechanical Control

Hand-pulling is not normally practicable and usually does not result in the complete removal of the root (SAC, 1986). Plants which have been pulled out should be burned to prevent seed dispersal. Dierauer and Thomas (1994) state that the only effective method is the removal of the entire root or cutting the root to at least 10 cm below ground. In grassland, the cutting frequency of the sward affects abundance of the weed. Courtney (1985), Niggli et al. (1993) and Hopkins and Johnson (2002) showed that under frequent defoliation (every 3-4 weeks) dock plants were less competitive and their herbage production was considerably lower than when cut every 6-7 weeks. The height of cut had no consistent effect on R. obtusifolius yields. Cavers and Harper (1964) suggest that a series of rotary cultivations may be effective for the elimination of the weed, however, the timing of land management practices has to be taken into account, as cultivation in late summer may promote the spread of the weed by shortening the length of time between germination and seed production (Weaver and Cavers, 1979). Ploughing followed by fallowing and repeated cultivation during spring and early summer is recommended by the SAC (1986) to exhaust the root reserves and provide control of young seedlings.

Chemical Control

Asulam is the most widely used herbicide for control of mature plants in grassland (Brock, 1972; Oswald and Haggar, 1976; SAC, 1986). Other recommended compounds include thifensulfuron, fluroxypyr, triclopyr, dicamba and mecoprop. Effective application of herbicides requires an adequate leaf area present. Spraying can be carried out in May before harvesting or in the following regrowth. For heavy infestations a follow-up spraying may be necessary 8 to 12 months later (SAC, 1986). Seedlings can be controlled by MCPA, MCPB, 2,4-D or mecoprop and are most readily killed at the two- to three-leaf stage. When the level of infestation is small and the plants are scattered, selective herbicide treatment with rope wick applicators can be used (SAC, 1986).

Biological Control

Gastrophysa viridula has been suggested as a possible agent of biological control (Speight and Whittaker, 1987). Although heavy grazing by this beetle reduces leaf area and overall biomass (Bentley and Whittaker, 1979) and affects the number and weight of seeds (Bentley et al., 1980), it is unlikely that G. viridula, acting alone, could be an effective control agent for the weed (Speight and Whittaker, 1987). In Tasmania the clearwing dock moth Chamaesphecia doryliphormis was introduced in 1997 at 2 sites to provide control of R. obtusifolius. However, there is no further information on the establishment and efficacy of this organism (TAS, 2003).

Studies involving fungal pathogens have not developed control methods, though the possibilities have been discussed for Uromyces rumicis (Schubiger et al., 1986) and Ramullaria rubella (Huber-Meinicke et al., 1989). Hughes et al. (1996) investigated the effects of infection of Armillaria mellea and A. ostoyae, which attack the root system, and reported that the taproots were extensively rotted. Moreover, there are complex interactions between the natural enemies. Hatcher and Paul (2000) showed that grazing by G. viridula reduces natural infection of R. obtusifolius by fungal pathogens, which attack leaves.

Integrated Control

A combination of different control practices and chemical techniques can be used to reduce infestation of mature plants. Repeated discing or rotary cultivation breaks up the taproots and the suppressed growth from root fragments allows more effective control by herbicides (SAC, 1986). An integrated programme of control involving single or repeated spraying with asulam or glyphosate, discing and sowing of grass-legume mixtures carried out in Poland is described by Biala (1998a, b) for heavily infested grassland.

References

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Allah Bakhsh; Dasti AA; Asia Munir; Imran Khaliq; Muhammad Amin-ud-Din; Akhtar MS, 2006. Studies on shape, size and weight of certain weed seeds buried in the soil seed bank. Pakistan Journal of Weed Science Research [Proceedings of the Second International Weed Science Conference, Volume 1, Rawalpindi, Pakistan, 20-22 March 2006.], 12(1/2):79-82. http://wssp.org.pk/

Askarian M; Hampton JG; Harrington KC, 1993. Control of weeds, and particularly white clover (Trifolium repens L.), in lucerne (Medicago sativa L.) grown for seed production. Journal of Applied Seed Production, 11:51-55

Assche JA van; Vanlerberghe KA, 1989. The role of temperature on the dormancy cycle of seeds of Rumex obtusifolius L. Functional Ecology, 3(1):107-115

Bentley S; Whittaker JB, 1979. Effects of grazing by a Chrysomelid beetle, Gastrophysa viridula, on competition between Rumex obtusifolius and Rumex crispus. Journal of Ecology, 67(1):79-90

Bentley S; Whittaker JB; Malloch AJC, 1980. Field experiments on the effects of grazing by a chrysomelid beetle (Gastrophysa viridula) on seed production and quality in Rumex obtusifolius and Rumex crispus. Journal of Ecology, 68(2):671-674

Benvenuti S; Macchia M; Miele S, 2001. Light, temperature and burial depth effects on Rumex obtusifolius seed germination and emergence. Weed Research (Oxford), 41(2):177-186; 45 ref.

Biala K, 1998. Control methods of Rumex obtusifolius on a mountain grassland. Wiadomos^acute~ci Instytutu Melioracji i Uz^dot over~ytko^acute~w Zielonych, 19(4):95-106; 9 ref.

Biala K, 1998. Evaluation of meadows renovation for the control of Rumex obtusifolius in the sward. a^hook~karstwo w Polsce (Grassland Science in Poland), No. 1:105-110; 16 ref.

Brock JL, 1972. The control of broad-leaved dock (Rumex obtusifolius) in newly sown red clover (Trifolium pratense) with trifluralin, carbetamide and asulam. Weed Research, 12(4):310-315

Carballeira A; Carral E; Reigosa MJ, 1988. Asymmetric small-scale distribution and allelopathy: interaction between Rumex obtusifolius L. and meadow species. Journal of Chemical Ecology, 14(9):1775-1786

Carral E; Reigosa MJ; Carballeira A, 1988. Rumex obtusifolius L: Release of allelochemical agents and their influence on small-scale spatial distribution of meadow species. Journal of Chemical Ecology, 14(9):1763-1773

Cavers P; Harper J, 1964. Rumex obtusifolius L. and Rumex crispus L. Journal of Ecology, 52:737-766.

Courtney AD, 1985. Impact and control of docks in grassland. Weeds, pests and diseases of grasslands and herbage legumes [edited by Brockman, J.S.] Croydon, UK; British Crop Protection Council, 120-127

Courtney AD; Johnston R, 1978. A consideration of the contribution to production of Rumex obtusifolius in a grazing regime. Proceedings 1978 British Crop Protection Conference - Weeds. British Crop Protection Council. London UK, 325-331

Cranston R; Ralph D; Wikeem B, 2000. Field Guide to Noxious and Other Selected Weeds of British Columbia. BC Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries and Ministry of Forests.

DEFRA, 2002. Weeds Act 1959. http://www.defra.gov.uk/environ/weedsact/.

Derrick RW; Moseley G; Wilman D, 1993. Intake, by sheep, and digestibility of chickweed, dandelion, dock, ribwort and spurrey, compared with perennial ryegrass. Journal of Agricultural Science, 120(1):51-61; 17 ref.

Dierauer HU, 1994. Efficiency of different non-chemical methods of controlling broadleaf dock (Rumex obtusifolius). Maitrise des adventices par voie non chimique. Communications de la quatrieme conference internationale I.F.O.A.M., Dijon, France, 5-9 July 1993 [edited by Thomas, J.M.] Quetigny Cedex, France; Association Colloque IFOAM, Ed. 2:311-314

Ellenberg H, 1974. Zeigerwerte der Gefasspflanzen Mitteleuropas. Scripta Geobotanica 9. Gottingen: Goeltze.

Harada H; Hatanaka T, 2001. Thallium uptake by perennial plants. Sochi Shikenjo Kenkyu Hokoku = Bulletin of the National Grassland Research Institute, No. 60:33-39; 18 ref.

Hatcher PE; Paul ND, 2000. Beetle grazing reduces natural infection of Rumex obtusifolius by fungal pathogens. New Phytologist, 146(2):325-333; 40 ref.

Holm LG; Pancho JV; Herberger JP; Plucknett DL, 1979. A geographical atlas of world weeds. New York, USA: John Wiley and Sons, 391 pp.

Holm LG; Plucknett DL; Pancho JV; Herberger JP, 1977. The World's Worst Weeds. Distribution and Biology. Honolulu, Hawaii, USA: University Press of Hawaii.

Honek A; Martinkovß Z, 2002. Effects of individual plant phenology on dormancy of Rumex obtusifolius seeds at dispersal. Weed Research (Oxford), 42(2):148-155; 41 ref.

Hongo A, 1989. Survival and growth of seedlings of Rumex obtusifolius L. and Rumex crispus L. in newly sown grassland. Weed Research, UK, 29(1):7-12

Hopkins A; Johnson RH, 2002. Effect of different manuring and defoliation patterns on broad-leaved dock (Rumex obtusifolius) in grassland. Annals of Applied Biology, 140(3):255-262; 21 ref.

Hopkins A; Johnson RH, 2003. Impact of control of dock (Rumex obtusifolius) on potential production from N-fertilised swards. In: Optimal forage systems for animal production and the environment. Proceedings of the 12th Symposium of the European Grassland Federation, Pleven, Bulgaria, 26-28 May 2003 [ed. by Kirilov, A.\Todorov, N.\Katerov, I.]. Pleven, Bulgaria: Bulgarian Association for Grassland and Forage Production (BAGFP), 200-203. [Grassland Science in Europe Volume 8.]

Huber-Meinicke G; Defago G; Sedlar L, 1989. Ramularia rubella (Bon.) Nannf. as a potential mycoherbicide against Rumex weeds. Botanica Helvetica, 99(1):81-89.

Hughes CNG; West JS; Fox RTV, 1996. Control of broad-leaved docks by Armillaria mellea. Proceedings of the 9th international symposium on biological control of weeds, Stellenbosch, South Africa, 19-26 January 1996., 531-534; 43 ref.

Hultén E, 1950. Atlas of the Distribution of Vascular Plants in North-West Europe. Stockholm, Sweden: Esselte AB.

Humphreys J; Culleton N; Jansen T; O'Riordan EG; Storey T, 1997. Aspects of the role of cattle slurry in dispersal and seedling establishment of Rumex obtusifolius seed in grassland. Irish Journal of Agricultural and Food Research, 36(1):39-49; 36 ref.

Humphreys J; Jansen T; Culleton N; Macnaeidhe FS; Storey T, 1999. Soil potassium supply and Rumex obtusifolius and Rumex crispus abundance in silage and grazed grassland swards. Weed Research (Oxford), 39(1):1-13; 40 ref.

Jeangros B; Nosberger J, 1990. Effects of an established sward of Lolium perenne L. on the growth and development of Rumex obtusifolius L. seedlings. Grass and Forage Science, 45(1):1-7

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Makuchi T; Kanda M, 1980. Seed germination and early seedling establishment of Rumex obtusifolius L. in artificial grassland. Reports of the Institute for Agricultural Research, Tohoku University, No. 31:11-17

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Distribution References

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CAVERS P B, HARPER J L, 1964. Biological flora of the British Isles. No. 98. Rumex obtusifolius L. and R. crispus L. Journal of Ecology. 737-66. DOI:10.2307/2257859

Cranston R, Ralph D, Wikeem B, 2000. Field Guide to Noxious and Other Selected Weeds of British Columbia. In: BC Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries and Ministry of Forests,

Holm L, Pancho J V, Herberger J P, Plucknett D L, 1979. A geographical atlas of world weeds. New York, Chichester (), Brisbane, Toronto, UK: John Wiley and Sons. xlix + 391 pp.

Hopkins A, Johnson R H, 2003. Impact of control of dock (Rumex obtusifolius) on potential production from N-fertilised swards. In: Optimal forage systems for animal production and the environment. Proceedings of the 12th Symposium of the European Grassland Federation, Pleven, Bulgaria, 26-28 May 2003. [ed. by Kirilov A, Todorov N, Katerov I]. Pleven, Bulgaria: Bulgarian Association for Grassland and Forage Production (BAGFP). 200-203.

Klimes L, Kapahi BK, 1990. Rumex obtusifolius L. (Polygonaceae) - a new plant for India. In: Journal of Economic and Taxonomic Botany, 14 729-731.

Kozlowski L A, 2002. Critical period of weed interference in corn crop based on crop phenology. (Período crítico de interferência das plantas daninhas na cultura do milho baseado na fenologia da cultura.). Planta Daninha. 20 (3), 365-372. DOI:10.1590/S0100-83582002000300006

Mikulka J, Kneifelová-Korčáková M, 2006. Influence of management systems to the occurrence of Rumex sp. on meadows and pastures. (Vliv ošetřování luk a pastvin na výskyt Rumex sp.). In: Medzinárodná vedecká konferencia pri príležitoti 70. výročia krmivinárskeho výskumu na Slovensku. Trávne porasty - súčastacute˜ horského pol'nohospodárstva a krajiny, 27.-28. septembra 2006, Banská Bystrica, Slovakia. [ed. by Ferienčiková D, Kizeková M, Ondrášek L, Zimková M]. Banská Bystrica, Slovakia: Grassland and Mountain Agriculture Research Institute. 1-6.

Nishida T, 2002. Alien plants invasion of forage crop fields and artificial grasslands - distribution and routes of invasions. Grassland Science. 48 (2), 168-176.

Novák J, Slamka P, 2003. Degradation of seminatural pastures by local overmanuring with cattle or sheep excreta. Ekológia (Bratislava). 22 (2), 143-151.

Poetsch E M, Krautzer B, 2002. The influence of ruminal digestion and farm manure on the germination development of seeds of broad-leaved dock (Rumex obtusifolius L.). In: Multi-function grasslands: quality forages, animal products and landscapes. Proceedings of the 19th General Meeting of the European Grassland Federation, La Rochelle, France, 27-30 May 2002. [ed. by Durand J L, Emile J C, Huyghe C, Lemaire G]. Versailles cedex, France: Organizing Committee of the European Grassland Federation. 386-387.

Rechinger KH, Akeroyd JR, 1993. (8. Rumex L). In: Flora Europaea Psilotaceae to Platanaceae, 1 (2nd) [ed. by Tutin TG, Burges NA, Chater AO, Edmundson JR, Heywood VH, Moore DM, Valentine DH, Walters SM, Webb DA]. Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press. 99-107.

Shim M H, Kwon O S, Nam S H, 2001. Insect community on a naturalized plant, Rumex obtusifolius. Korean Journal of Entomology. 31 (3), 177-181.

TAS, 2003. Department of Primary Resources, Water and Environment. In: Weed Information Resources, http://www.dpiwe.tas.gov.au/inter.nsf/WebPages/RPIO-4ZW3NH?open#Identification

USDA-NRCS, 2002. The PLANTS Database. Greensboro, North Carolina, USA: National Plant Data Team. https://plants.sc.egov.usda.gov

Wells M J, Balsinhas A A, Joffe H, Engelbrecht V M, Harding G, Stirton C H, 1986. A catalogue of problem plants in southern Africa incorporating the national weed list of South Africa. Memoirs, Botanical Survey of South Africa. v + 658pp.

Distribution Maps

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