Eco-biology and management of Echinochloa crus-galli

Abstract

Weed management is one of the most important aspects in successful crop production, and with the passage of time, ecological and biological aspects are becoming more significant. Echinochloa crus-galli (L.) Beauv. is among the most noxious weeds in the world due to its superior biology and tremendous ecological adaptations. It causes substantial yield losses in different field crops, especially rice. It is widespread in different countries, infesting numerous cropping systems due to its invasive nature. It has a strong allelopathic potential, which aids resource competition to exert notable yield losses. Herbicide resistance evolution in E. crus-galli is a serious threat to agricultural productivity. This review covers all the aspects on the interface of ecology and biology of E. crus-galli in order to generate useful information for better understanding of the weed behavior. Management scenario of E. crus-galli is also presented with reference to its eco-biological interference. Some cultural strategies like preventive measures, hand weeding, irrigation management, the use of competitive cultivars, and mechanical control are still trustworthy but in integration with other means. Although little research has been done on biological control, it may be helpful under sustainable systems. The use of allelopathy for the management of E. crus-galli is another encouraging domain. Herbicides are inevitable but they must be used in rotations and combinations along with other non-chemical tools to avoid the expansion of herbicide resistance. This review provokes an insight about understanding E. crus-galli biology for better management. This weed is noxious in terms of productivity and profit losses and it should be managed through integrated approaches, keeping in view its interference, ecological procession, biological mechanisms, and evolution.