Plantains
General description and types
Plantains are perennial weeds and the most common of these is the Greater Plantain, other common types are the Ribwort and Hoary Plantain although there are five types in total. The three main types are easily identified as plantains by their leaves which are leathery and distinctively ribbed. The Greater and Hoary Plantain have broad oval leaves while the Ribwort Plantain has long narrow oval leaves. They typically flower between April and September.
In what conditions do they thrive?
Greater Plantain thrives in compacted soils on heavily worn areas so is particularly common on heavily used infrequently maintained pitches, they are not normally found on very wet or shaded sites. Ribwort Plantain in particular likes alkaline soils and can tolerate very dry conditions. They are problematic in mown turf as they grow to their environment and can tolerate very low cutting heights.
What are the effects on turf?
Plantains grow in rosettes up to 1ft across and the seed pods can produce up to 20 seeds, this means they spread rapidly on areas of bare ground and where conditions are suitable quickly invading worn playing surfaces.
Management
Cultural
Encourage a dense, healthy grass sward through a proper maintenance regime. This prevents the weeds from invading bare ground.
These weeds love compacted soils so a programme of regular surface aeration and appropriately timed deep spiking will help.
Plantains are large enough to be removed by hand using a small implement if the population is limited to only a few.
Chemical
Where populations are widespread plantains are easily controlled with a single application of selective weedkiller when growing, addition of liquid fertiliser with the herbicide can also help uptake. (Do not apply under drought conditions, application will not be effective and may damage the grass sward)
Selective herbicides should only ever be applied by a fully qualified professional with the appropriate equipment and paperwork.
Always try and minimise use of chemicals wear possible. Seek guidance from BASIS certificated advisors and use contractors abiding by The Amenity Standard scheme.