Abstract
The pattern of growth of Gomphrena celosioides Mart (Amaranthaceae), a weed in mown grass and lawn commonly used in southern Nigeria for treatment of skin infections and as abortifacient was evaluated in Ilorin (Lat. 8 o 29'N & 8 o 30'N; Long. 4 o 30'E & 4 o 32'E), southern Guinea savanna of Nigeria between 2010 and 2012. Seedlings and soil samples to a depth of 15cm were collected from different locations and enumerated for 15 weeks. G. celosioides seedling had a prolific growth rate, producing many leaves, sparsely branching and excessive flowers within a short period after emergence. The estimated seeds of G. celosioides in soil seedbank were about 885 seeds/m 2 . The growing shoot increased in length as a function of plant age with a mean absolute growth rate of 0.13 g plant -1 day -1 , mean RGR of 0.07 g g -1 day -1 . This result will be valuable in aiding the prediction of G. celosioides infestations in agricultural fields and provide a valuable input in timing of its control. KeyWords : Weed biology, plant growth, seedbank, Gomphrena celosioides Mart,
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