GROWTH AND REGENERATION OF FIELD HORSETAIL (EQUISETUM-ARVENSE)

Growth and regeneration of field horsetail were investigated under field and greenhouse conditions. Field horsetail produced shoots during the entire summer but its growth was detrimentally affected by the presence of corn (Zea mays L.). Field horsetail regrew as well whether it had been hoed once or 16 times during the growing season; and during the subsequent summer, there were no significant differences between horsetail growth in plots kept weed-free the previous growing season and in plots where field horsetail grew freely. In the greenhouse, rhizome segments 1 cm long placed 15 cm deep easily regenerated plants. Simulations were done using the growth and regenerative ability of field horsetail to estimate its potential spread in agricultural fields. The results of these simulations indicate that this weed can infest a hectare within 6 yr of its introduction into a new area.