Predominant rice weeds in Nigeria

Abstract

Abstract In a survey conducted in the four major rice ecological zones in Nigeria the predominant weeds of the flora growing in association with both direct‐seeded and transplanted rice (Oryza sativa L.) were determined. Most of the predominant weed species differed with differing rice ecologies. Among the predominant broadleaved species, Ageratum conyzoides L., Sphenochlea zeylanica Gaertn, Tridax procumbens L., Portulaca oleracea L. and Celosia argentea L. were each found common to two different ecologies. Also, each of the grass species, including Oryza longistaminata Chev and Roehr, Eleusine indica (L.) Gaertn, Digitaria sanguinalis (L.) Scop, Panicum maximum Jacq and Panicum repens L. were found in two different ecologies. Of the sedge species, Cyperus rotundus L, Cyperus imbricatus L., Cyperus difformis L. and Fimbristylis dichotoma (L.) Vahl were each found in two different ecologies. The predominant weed species and their relative importance varied with the varying rice ecologies. There was little...