Symposium on Tropical Spiderwort/Benghal Dayflower (Commelina benghalensis):
An Exotic Invasive Weed in the Southeast US
29 November 2005
University of Georgia Tifton Campus Conference Center
Tifton, Georgia
Tropical spiderwort (Commelina benghalensis, also called Benghal dayflower) is an exotic
invasive species that has quickly become the most troublesome weed in Georgia and Florida
cotton and is a significant pest in agronomic and other crops. Tropical spiderwort is tolerant of
glyphosate (the most common trade name is Roundup), one of the most commonly applied
herbicides in the Southeast US. Tropical spiderwort increases weed control costs in Georgia an
estimated $1 million annually. Tropical spiderwort was not a serious pest in agronomic crops in
Georgia as recently as 1998. However, this weed has quickly become a serious pest in Georgia
and Florida and poses a significant threat to the rest of the United States.
The purpose of this symposium is to:
1. Exchange information on the most current tropical spiderwort research and extension
findings.
2. Bring together customers and stakeholders with research and extension scientists
(University of Georgia, University of Florida, North Carolina State University, Clemson
University, Florida State University, The Smithsonian Institution, and USDA-ARS) with
tropical spiderwort expertise.
3. Open a dialogue between the various groups with an interest in tropical spiderwort