Chapter 6 - Chloris truncata and Chloris virgata

Abstract

Weed management is an indispensable part of modern-day agriculture due to certain reasons such as herbicide-resistant weed populations, climate change, conservation tillage, and unique features of certain weed species. Chloris truncata and Chloris virgata are two major problematic, emerging, and hard-to-control cropping weed species of the tropical world. Seed biology, yield loss potential, morphological features, and management options are reviewed in this chapter which could optimize the pragmatic management options. Both weed species exhibit unique biological and eco-physiological characteristics that enable them to reproduce, disperse, grow, and establish rapidly in agroecosystems. Both species are responsible for considerable yield, quality, and revenue losses due to their highly competitive nature. Due to limited weed control options, these weed species are more pervasive in conservation farming systems (e.g., no-till) compared to conventional farming systems. Single-weed control tactics have proven unsuccessful to control these weed species; therefore well-organized integration of some cultural and chemical weed control options needs to be utilized to manage C. truncata and C. virgata.