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Acta Prataculturae Sinica ›› 2015, Vol. 24 ›› Issue (11): 218-226.DOI: 10.11686/cyxb2015130

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Biological characteristics of the exotic weed Sorghum halepense and measures to control its spread

LIAO Fei-Yong, XIA Qing-Fang, CAI Si-Qi, JIANG Hui, HUANG Chen-Fei   

  1. College of Landscape and Architecture, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha 410004, China
  • Received:2015-03-10 Online:2015-11-20 Published:2015-11-20

Abstract: Sorghum halepense is a noxious exotic weed in China that has become widely spread, and it affects the growth of several crops. In this article, we review research on S. halepense and measures to control its spread. First, we summarize the main differences between S. halepense and other plants belonging to the same genus. The stalk diameter of S. halepense is 0.5 cm, the ligule length is 1.0-1.5 cm, and the outer glume top has three slits. The presence of S. halepense in soil inhibits the germination and growth of other plants. For example, in soil containing S. halepense, the seed germination rates of cotton, lettuce, and wheat were inhibited by more than 40%, and the growth of above-ground parts of wheat, corn, and cotton was inhibited by more than 9.8%. There are several effective methods to control S. halepense. White radish and some insects can inhibit the growth of S. halepense. Among the chemical control methods, 10% urea and 15% ammonium bicarbonate can kill seeds of S. halepense. Other chemicals used to control S. halepense include imazethapyr, imazamox, glufosinate, and clethodim and glufosinate, which can kill up to 94% of S. halepense plants. Propaquizafop and quizalofop can reduce the growth of S. halepense plants by 97%. S. halepense can be used as feed for Oxya chinensis and as a raw material for paper manufacturing. Further studies on this weed should include in-depth physiological ecology studies, research on enhancing herbicide efficacy and screening of specific herbicides, the use of biological controls, landscape utilization, and comprehensive use of the plant material.