Rough corn bedstraw (Galium tricornutum)

Present distribution

Scientific name:	Galium tricornutum Dandy
Common name(s):	rough corn bedstraw

Map showing the present distribution of this weed.

Habitat:

Widespread, uncommon weed of cultivated land, and other disturbed areas in temperate regions. In Australia it is mainly found in cultivated paddocks. ‘Principally occurring on alkaline soils with annual rainfall from 300-550 mm…’ (DAF WA undated). ‘Largely restricted to calcareous soils, on chalk, Jurassic limestone and calcareous boulder clay.’ (Plantlife Species Dossier 2006; King and Wilson 2005). ‘Inhabits disturbed ground, arable land coastal cliffs (ARKive undated). ‘A poor competitor, favoured by an open crop canopy and relatively sparse vegetation’. (Plantlife Species Dossier 2006). ‘A weed of rubbish tips.’ (Harden 1992). ‘Field margins, road verges (King and Wilson 2005). A weed of wasteland, gardens, crops and orchards (Tamar Valley Weeds Strategy undated)

Potential distribution

Potential distribution produced from CLIMATE modelling refined by applying suitable landuse and vegetation type overlays with CMA boundaries

Map Overlays Used

Land Use:
Broadacre cropping; horticulture perennial; horticulture seasonal; pasture dryland

Ecological Vegetation Divisions
Coastal; heathland; grassy/heathy dry forest; lowland forest; foothills forest; forby forest; granitic hillslopes; rocky outcrop shrubland; alluvial plains grassland; semi-arid woodland; alluvial plains woodland; chenopod shrubland; chenopod mallee; hummock-grass mallee; lowan mallee

Colours indicate possibility of Galium tricornutum infesting these areas.

In the non-coloured areas the plant is unlikely to establish as the climate, soil or landuse is not presently suitable.

Red= Very high	Orange = Medium
Yellow = High	Green = Likely

Impact

QUESTION	COMMENTS	RATING	CONFIDENCE
Social
1. Restrict human access?	‘Sprawling stems up to 50 cm long.’ ‘It’s climbing habit allows it to climb up and over’ (Tamar Valley Weeds Strategy undated). ‘After seedlings germinate they form a sprawling mat of stems’ (Plantlife Species Dossier 2006). ‘A weed of cultivated land and rubbish tips.’ (Harden 1992). A widespread by relatively uncommon weed of cultivated land, and other disturbed areas in temperate parts of the world In Australia it is mainly found in paddocks that have been cultivated for a number of years (DAF WA undated). Access may be blocked for human traffic, but vehicles/machinery should not be hindered in any way. - Low nuisance value. Impedes individual access; unable to walk to waterways.	ML	M
2. Reduce tourism?	‘It’s climbing habit allows it to climb up and over’ (Tamar Valley Weeds Strategy undated). After seedlings germinate they form a sprawling mat of stems’ (Plantlife Species Dossier 2006). A widespread by relatively uncommon weed of cultivated land (DAF WA undated). Stems are covered in downwardly pointing prickles’ (DAF WA undated; Plantlife Species Dossier 2006). Not commonly found in ‘tourist’ areas (more of an agricultural weed) Galium tricornutum is unlikely to greatly impact tourism. - Minor effects to aesthetics and/or recreational uses (i.e. aware of but not bothered or inhibited).	ML	M
3. Injurious to people?	‘Stems are covered in downwardly pointing prickles’ (DAF WA undated; Plantlife Species Dossier 2006). - Prickles present at certain times of the year.	MH	M
4. Damage to cultural sites?	‘It’s climbing habit allows it to climb up and over’ (Tamar Valley Weeds Strategy undated). After seedlings germinate they form a sprawling mat of stems’ (Plantlife Species Dossier 2006). - Moderate visual effect.	ML	M
Abiotic
5. Impact flow?	‘A weed of cultivated land and rubbish tips.’ (Harden 1992). A widespread by relatively uncommon weed of cultivated land, and other disturbed areas in temperate parts of the world In Australia it is mainly found in paddocks that have been cultivated for a number of years (DAF WA undated). Not known to be present in riparian areas, impact on water flow will be minimal. - Little or negligible effect on water flow.	L	MH
6. Impact water quality?	‘A wed of cultivated land and rubbish tips.’ (Harden 1992). A widespread by relatively uncommon weed of cultivated land, and other disturbed areas in temperate parts of the world In Australia it is mainly found in paddocks that have been cultivated for a number of years (DAF WA undated). Not known to be present in riparian areas, impact on water quality will be minimal. - No noticeable effects on dissolved O₂ or light levels.	L	MH
7. Increase soil erosion?	Requires large gaps in the vegetation for seedling establishment’. ‘It is a poor competitor and is favoured by an open crop canopy and relatively sparse vegetation’ (Plantlife Species Dossier 2006). Annual habit (Harden 1992). Evidence suggests that this species can only grow in areas of bare soil. Establishment of this species in those bare areas is likely to increase soil stability, and would not cause serious erosion. - Moderate probability of large scale soil movement.	ML	M
8. Reduce biomass?	After seedlings germinate they form a sprawling mat of stems’ (Plantlife Species Dossier 2006). ‘It seems unable to coexist with competitive plants’ (ARKive undated). ‘A wed of cultivated land’ (Harden 1992). A widespread by relatively uncommon weed of cultivated land and other disturbed areas in temperate parts of the world (DAF WA undated). - Biomass may increase.	L	MH
9. Change fire regime?	Annual Herb (Harden 1993). Requires large gaps in the vegetation for seedling establishment’. ‘It is a poor competitor and is favoured by an open crop canopy and relatively sparse vegetation’ (Plantlife Species Dossier 2006). - Small or negligible effect on fire risk.	L	M
Community Habitat
10. Impact on composition (a) high value EVC	EVC = Semi Arid Woodland (V); CMA = Mallee; Bioregion = Murray Mallee; VH CLIMATE potential. ‘It’s climbing habit allows it to climb up and over’ (Tamar Valley Weeds Strategy undated). After seedlings germinate they form a sprawling mat of stems’ (Plantlife Species Dossier date). ‘Requires large gaps in the vegetation for seedling establishment’. ‘It is a poor competitor and is favoured by an open crop canopy and relatively sparse vegetation’. ‘Unshaded sites’. Galium tricornutum is a much poorer competitor [than Galium aparine] (Plantlife Species Dossier 2006). ‘It seems unable to coexist with competitive plants’ (ARKive undated) - Minor displacement of some dominant or indicator species within any one strata/layer. (e.g. ground cover, shrubs).	ML	H
(b) medium value EVC	EVC = Grassy Dry Forest (D); CMA = Goulburn Broken; Bioregion = Central Victorian Uplands; VH CLIMATE potential. ‘It’s climbing habit allows it to climb up and over’ (Tamar Valley Weeds Strategy undated). After seedlings germinate they form a sprawling mat of stems’ (Plantlife Species Dossier date). ‘Requires large gaps in the vegetation for seedling establishment’. ‘It is a poor competitor and is favoured by an open crop canopy and relatively sparse vegetation’. ‘Unshaded sites’. Galium tricornutum is a much poorer competitor [than Galium aparine] (Plantlife Species Dossier 2006). ‘It seems unable to coexist with competitive plants’ (ARKive undated) - Very little displacement of any indigenous species. Sparse scattered infestations.	L	H
(c) low value EVC	EVC = Woorinen Mallee (LC); CMA = Mallee; Bioregion = Lowan Mallee; VH CLIMATE potential. ‘It’s climbing habit allows it to climb up and over’ (Tamar Valley Weeds Strategy undated). After seedlings germinate they form a sprawling mat of stems’ (Plantlife Species Dossier date). ‘Requires large gaps in the vegetation for seedling establishment’. ‘It is a poor competitor and is favoured by an open crop canopy and relatively sparse vegetation’. ‘Unshaded sites’. Galium tricornutum is a much poorer competitor [than Galium aparine] (Plantlife Species Dossier 2006). ‘It seems unable to coexist with competitive plants’ (ARKive undated) - Minor displacement of some dominant or indicator species within any one strata/layer (e.g. ground cover, shrubs).	ML	H
11. Impact on structure?	‘It’s climbing habit allows it to climb up and over’ (Tamar Valley Weeds Strategy undated). After seedlings germinate they form a sprawling mat of stems’ (Plantlife Species Dossier date). ‘Requires large gaps in the vegetation for seedling establishment’. ‘It is a poor competitor and is favoured by an open crop canopy and relatively sparse vegetation’. ‘Unshaded sites’. Galium tricornutum is a much poorer competitor [than Galium aparine] (Plantlife Species Dossier 2006). ‘It seems unable to coexist with competitive plants’ (ARKive undated) - Minor or negligible impacts on <20% of the floral strata/layers present; usually only affecting one of the strata.	L	M
12. Effect on threatened flora?	‘It’s climbing habit allows it to climb up and over’ (Tamar Valley Weeds Strategy undated). After seedlings germinate they form a sprawling mat of stems’ (Plantlife Species Dossier 2006). ‘A weed of cultivated land and rubbish tips.’ (Harden 1992). ‘Requires large gaps in the vegetation for seedling establishment’. ‘It is a poor competitor and is favoured by an open crop canopy and relatively sparse vegetation’. ‘Unshaded sites’ (Plantlife Species Dossier 2006). Exact impacts on threatened flora have not been determined, but are unlikely to be great.	MH	L
Fauna
13. Effect on threatened fauna?	‘Sprawling stems up to 50 cm long.’ ‘It’s climbing habit allows it to climb up and over’ (Tamar Valley Weeds Strategy undated). ‘A weed of cultivated land and rubbish tips.’ (Harden 1992). - Impacts on threatened fauna have not been determined, but are unlikely to be great.	MH	L
14. Effect on non-threatened fauna?	‘Sprawling stems up to 50 cm long.’ ‘It’s climbing habit allows it to climb up and over’ (Tamar Valley Weeds Strategy undated). ‘A weed of cultivated land and rubbish tips.’ (Harden 1992). ‘Requires large gaps in the vegetation for seedling establishment’. ‘It is a poor competitor and is favoured by an open crop canopy and relatively sparse vegetation’. ‘Unshaded sites’ (Plantlife Species Dossier 2006). ‘Stems are covered in backward pointing prickles’ (King and Wilson 2005). - Minor effects on fauna species; minor hazard (prickles).	ML	MH
15. Benefits fauna?	‘Sprawling stems up to 50 cm long.’ ‘It’s climbing habit allows it to climb up and over’ (Tamar Valley Weeds Strategy undated). ‘A weed of cultivated land and rubbish tips.’ (Harden 1992). ‘Requires large gaps in the vegetation for seedling establishment’. ‘It is a poor competitor and is favoured by an open crop canopy and relatively sparse vegetation’. ‘Unshaded sites’ (Plantlife Species Dossier 2006). - Provides very little support to desirable species.	H	MH
16. Injurious to fauna?	‘Stems are covered in backward pointing prickles’ (King and Wilson 2005). - Prickles present at certain times of year, may be injurious to fauna.	MH	MH
Pest Animal
17. Food source to pests?	Sticky fruits and stems adhere easily to clothing and animals, assisting dispersal (Tamar Valley Weeds Strategy undated). Fruits may provide some food for pests. - Provides minimal food for pest species.	L	M
18. Provides harbour?	‘Sprawling stems up to 50 cm long.’ ‘It’s climbing habit allows it to climb up and over’ (Tamar Valley Weeds Strategy undated). Sprawling/climbing habit may provide some shelter. - Doesn’t provide harbour for serious pest species, may provide for minor pests.	ML	M
Agriculture
19. Impact yield?	‘Seeds contaminate fodder and grain. At high densities can cause considerable yield loss in crops.’ (DAF WA undated). Three-horn bedstraw can be troublesome in wheat, barley, field peas, chickpeas and faba beans, and can be difficult to control in other pulse crops (Chauhan et al. 2006). After seedlings germinate they form a sprawling mat of stems’. ‘In the past the seeds would have been harvested along with the crop, and because their dimensions are similar to those of cereal grains, would have been difficult to clean out of the re-sown grain.’ (Plantlife Species Dossier 2006). ‘It can reach to 80 cm and scrambles amongst crops’ (King and Wilson 2005). - Major impact on quantity of produce (5-20%).	MH	MH
20. Impact quality?	‘Seeds contaminate fodder and grain. At high densities can cause considerable yield loss in crops.’ (DAF WA undated). After seedlings germinate they form a sprawling mat of stems’. In the past the seeds would have been harvested along with the crop, and because their dimensions are similar to those of cereal grains, would have been difficult to clean out of the re-sown grain.’ (Plantlife Species Dossier 2006). - Major impact on quality of produce (e.g. 5-20%)	MH	MH
21. Affect land value?	Requires large gaps in the vegetation for seedling establishment’. ‘It is a poor competitor and is favoured by an open crop canopy and relatively sparse vegetation’ (Plantlife Species Dossier 2006). Three-horn bedstraw can be troublesome in wheat, barley, field peas, chickpeas and faba beans, and can be difficult to control in other pulse crops (Chauhan et al. 2006). Galium tricornutum may reduce land value because it can reduce viability and quality of crops (Chauhan et al. 2006). - Decreases in land value <10%.	MH	MH
22. Change land use?	Factors leading to decline in UK and Europe include increased usage of nitrogen fertiliser and broad-spectrum herbicides. (Plantlife Species Briefing Sheet 2007). ‘Has probably been affected by use of highly competitive crop varieties and high levels of nitrogen applications’ (King and Wilson 2005). - Some change but no serious alteration of agricultural return.	ML	MH
23. Increase harvest costs?	‘In the past the seeds would have been harvested along with the crop, and because their dimensions are similar to those of cereal grains, would have been difficult to clean out of the re-sown grain.’ (Plantlife Species Dossier 2006). Factors leading to decline in UK and Europe include increased usage of nitrogen fertiliser and broad spectrum herbicides. (Plantlife Species Briefing Sheet 2007). ‘Has probably been affected by use of highly competitive crop varieties and high levels of nitrogen applications’ (King and Wilson 2005). Evidence suggests that Galium tricornutum is kept under control by herbicide application and out-shading by other crop species. Harvesting costs may increase slightly, as it needs to be separated from agricultural produce. - Minor increase in cost of harvesting, e.g. slightly more time and/or labour is required.	MH	MH
24. Disease host/vector?	Known to host stem nematode Ditylenchus dipsaci (DAF WA undated). ‘Without control, it [Ditylenchus dipsaci] can cause complete failure of host crops (includes cereals, legumes etc.).’ (EPPO undated). - Host to major and severe pest of importance to agricultural produce.	H	MH

Invasive

QUESTION	COMMENTS	RATING	CONFIDENCE
Establishment
1. Germination requirements?	‘Seeds germinate readily, given sufficient water’. ‘Thought to germinate mainly in autumn to early winter’. ‘Requires exposed soils for germination and growth to seed production (Plantlife Species Dossier 2006). - Requires natural seasonal disturbances such as spring/summer temperatures.	MH	M
2. Establishment requirements?	Principally occurring on alkaline soils with annual rainfall from 300-550 mm, but found on other soil types.’ (DAF WA undated). ‘Largely restricted to calcareous soils, on chalk, Jurassic limestone and calcareous boulder clay.’ (Plantlife Species Dossier 2006; King and Wilson 2005). ‘Requires large gaps in the vegetation for seedling establishment’. ‘It is a poor competitor and is favoured by an open crop canopy and relatively sparse vegetation’. ‘Unshaded sites’. Galium tricornutum is a much poorer competitor [than Galium aparine] (Plantlife Species Dossier 2006). - Requires more specific requirements to establish (e.g. open space and bare ground)	ML	M
3. How much disturbance is required?	‘A wed of cultivated land and rubbish tips.’ (Harden 1992). A widespread by relatively uncommon weed of cultivated land, and other disturbed areas in temperate parts of the world In Australia it is mainly found in paddocks that have been cultivated for a number of years (DAF WA undated). Galium tricornutum is an arable field species (Plantlife Species Dossier 2006) Field margins, road verges (King and Wilson 2005). - Establishes in highly disturbed ecosystems (e.g. roadsides) or in overgrazed pastures and poorly growing crops.	L	M
Growth/Competitive
4. Life form?	Annual Herb (Harden 1993). - Other.	L	MH
5. Allelopathic properties?	None listed in Rice (1984). No other evidence of allelopathy in this species.	L	MH
6. Tolerates herb pressure?	Unknown.	M	L
7. Normal growth rate?	Moderate growth rate (ZipCode Zoo undated). - Maximum growth rate less than many species of the same life form.	ML	M
8. Stress tolerance to frost, drought, w/logg, sal. etc?	‘Lowland species’ ‘[Occurs on] freely-draining soils’ (Plantlife Species Dossier 2006). Occurs on alkaline soils with annual rainfall of 300-550 mm. (DAF WA undated). Grows on coastal cliffs (ARKive undated) – probable to have some tolerance to salt spray. A ‘lowland’ species it is likely that Galium tricornutum is susceptible to frost and colder temperatures. Preferences to well drained soils suggest an intolerance to waterlogged soils. - Maybe tolerant of one stress (salinity) but susceptible to at least two (frost and water logging)	L	M
Reproduction
9. Reproductive system	Reproduction is via seed (King and Wilson 2005; Plantlife Species Briefing Sheet 2007). There is no evidence of vegetative reproduction. -Sexual (either cross or self pollination)	L	M
10. Number of propagules produced?	Unknown.	M	L
11. Propagule longevity?	‘Seed is thought to be short-lived (King and Wilson 2005). - Greater than 25% of seeds survive 5 years or vegetatively reproduces.	L	MH
12. Reproductive period?	Annual Herb (Harden 1993). - Mature plant produces viable propagules for only one year.	L	MH
13. Time to reproductive maturity?	Annual Herb (Harden 1993). - Reaches maturity and produces viable propagules or vegetatively propagules become separate individuals in under a year.	H	MH
Dispersal
14. Number of mechanisms?	Sticky fruits and stems adhere easily to clothing and animals, assisting dispersal (Tamar Valley Weeds Strategy undated). - Propagules are spread by attachment to humans, animals and possibly vehicles and machinery.	MH	M
15. How far do they disperse?	Sticky fruits and stems adhere easily to clothing and animals, assisting dispersal (Tamar Valley Weeds Strategy undated). ‘It is probable that seed remains largely where it falls from the parent plant’ (Plantlife Species Dossier 2006). - Very few to none will disperse to one kilometre, most 20-200 metres.	ML	M

References

ARKive (undated) Species Information Corn Cleavers (Galium tricornutum). Available at http://www.arkive.org/corn-cleavers/galium-tricornutum/info.html (verified 01 May 2009).

Chauhan B, Gill G, Preston C (2006) Factors effecting seed germination of threehorn bedstraw (Galium tricornutum) in Australia. Weed Science 54, 471-477.

DAF WA (undated) - Department of Agriculture and Food, Western Australia, Declared Plants in Western Australia Three horned bedstraw Galium tricornutum, PDF available at http://agspsrv95.agric.wa.gov.au/dps/version02/01_plantview.asp?page=9&contentID=71& (verified 24 March 2009).

EPPO (undated) Quarantine Pest Data Sheet Ditylenchus dipsaci. Available at http://www.eppo.org/QUARANTINE/nematodes/Ditylenchus_dipsaci/DITYDI_ds.pdf (verified 01 May 2009).

Harden GJ. (1992) Flora of New South Wales. Volume 3. Royal Botanic Gardens Sydney, UNSW Press.

King M, Wilson P (2005) Arable Plants: A Field Guide 2nd edition. Published by WildGuides.

Plantlife Species Dossier (2006) Galium tricornutum. Available at http://www.plantlife.org.uk/uk/assets/saving-species/saving-species-dossier/Galium_tricornutum_dossier.pdf (verified 24 March 2009).

Plantlife Species Briefing Sheet (2007) Galium tricornutum. Available at http://www.plantlife.org.uk/uk/assets/saving-species/GaliumSBS.pdf (verified 24 March 2009).

Tamar Valley Weeds Strategy (undated), available at http://www.weeds.asn.au/weeds/weeds_fr.htm (verified 24 March 2009)

ZipCode Zoo (undated), Available at http://zipcodezoo.com/Plants/G/Galium%5Ftricornutum/ (verified 01 May 2009).

Global present distribution data references

Australian National Herbarium (ANH) (2008) Australia’s Virtual Herbarium, Australian National Herbarium, Centre for Plant Diversity and Research, Available at http://www.anbg.gov.au/avh/ (verified 01 May 2009).

Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) (2006) Flora information system [CD-ROM], Biodiversity and Natural Resources Section, Viridans Pty Ltd, Bentleigh.

EIS: Environmental Information System (2006) Parks Victoria.

Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) (2008) Global biodiversity information facility, Available at http://www.gbif.org/ (verified 01 May 2009).

IPMS: Integrated Pest Management System (2006) Department of Primary Industries.

Missouri Botanical Gardens (MBG) (2009) w³TROPICOS, Missouri Botanical Gardens Database, Available at http://mobot.mobot.org/W3T/Search/vast.html (verified 01 May 2009).

National Biodiversity Network (2008) NBN Gateway, National Biodiversity Network, UK, Available at http://www.searchnbn.net/index_homepage/index.jsp (verified 01 May 2009).

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