Eragrostis pilosa (L) . Beauv. a New Invasive and Economically Important Weed in the Rice Fields in the Kocani Region

Abstract

Investigations were carried out in rice fields in the Kocani region. The aim for this investigations was to determine the weed species which has never been registered in Kocani rice fields before. Also, to examine in which localities it appears, the reasons for its occurrence in the rice fields and the impact of this weed on rice yield. After determining it was discovered that the examined weed is Eragrostis pilosa (L) P. Beauv (indian love grass). This is a non-typical weed for rice fields in Kocani region. Eragrostis pilosa in the rice fields in Kocani region for the first time was noticed in 2010 in vicinity of ​​the village Mojance. In 2012 it also appears in the rice fields in vicinity of villages Kucicino, Ciflik, Burilcevo and Dolni Podlog. In 2013 it spreads in the rice fields in vicinity of villages Cesinovo and Grdovce and in the majority of the rice fields around the city of Kocani. Water deficiency in the rice fields is the reason for Eragrostis pilosa occurrence. Depending on the weed intensity the rice yield was reduced from ca. 25 to 55%. Its spreading will be a serious economically problem in the rice production in the Kocani region.