Fallopia convolvulus achenes have been found in archaeological sites since the Neolithic era, with evidence it was being used for food or animal feed (Hume et al. 1983). The amino acid composition in the seeds was found to be similar to Fagopyrum esculentum Moench (buckwheat) (Hume et al. 1983), and likely had similar uses.

F. convolvulus is a prolific seed producer, with up to 543 seeds/m2 found in cultivated soils in Finland, 11 900 seeds per plant in the northern United States, and a high of 30 000 seeds in plants grown since the early spring in Canada (Forsberg and Best 1964; Hume et al. 1983).

Short distance dispersal of the seed within a field is primarily by farm machinery, but the achenes may also be naturally dispersed by flowing water (Hume et al. 1983). Long-distance dispersal is through contaminated crop seed and is likely how the species was originally transported worldwide (Hume et al. 1983).

Freshly shed seeds are dormant, primarily due to a hard achene coat that restricts water, gas exchange and mechanically restricts the embryo (Hume et al. 1983; Metzger 1992). Germination is promoted by scarification or removing the achene coat, or low temperature stratification that likely mimics temperature fluctuations in the field (Hume et al. 1983; Metzger 1992). Metzger (1992) suggested that embryos may produce hydrolytic enzymes during low temperatures that weaken the fruit and seed coats in preparation for spring growth.

The trailing plants of Fallopia convolvulus can spread quickly over open ground and climb tall plants to maximize sunlight and can germinate earlier than crops and reduce available water (Hume et al. 1983; Holm et al. 1991). Dense stands of F. convolvulus can wrap around grain stems and become entangled in farm equipment making harvest difficult and raising moisture content of the grain (Hume et al. 1983).

Studies have found up to 26% yield loss in Triticum aestivum subsp. aestivum and 6% loss in Hordeum vulgare subsp. vulgare when F. convolvulus was the dominant weed species (Hume et al. 1983). Densities of 172 plants/m2 caused up to 20% yield loss in Linum usitatissimum (Hume et al. 1983). Even at low densities, F. convolvulus caused root and sucrose yield losses in Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris (Odero et al. 2010). Biotypes of F. convolvulus that were resistant to acetolactate synthase enzyme (ALS)-inhibiting herbicides have been found in Alberta, Canada (Beckie et al. 2012).