Skip to main navigation menu Skip to main content Skip to site footer
Plant Science Today (PST)

Research communications

Vol. 13 No. 2 (2026)

Distribution, origin and bio-ecological characterisation of the invasive weed species Rottboellia cochinchinensis (Lour.) W. D. Clayton in Karnataka, India

DOI
https://doi.org/10.14719/pst.13938
Submitted
1 February 2026
Published
19-05-2026 — Updated on 29-05-2026
Versions

Abstract

Rottboellia cochinchinensis (Lour.) W. D. Clayton commonly known as itch grass, is an aggressive invasive species native to Asia. It is widely recognised for its ability to invade crops and disturbed habitats across tropical and sub-tropical regions. In Karnataka, R. cochinchinensis is an important weed in crops such as maize, sugarcane, ragi, red gram, groundnut, various vegetable crops and perennial cropping systems. R. cochinchinensis has been reported as a major invasive and noxious weed in maize fields. Itch grass exhibits profuse tillering and strong competitive ability. Despite its considerable destructive potential in agricultural systems, comprehensive and coordinated studies on this weed remain limited. In this context, a survey and detailed study on R. cochinchinensis were conducted during 2024–2026 in infested regions of Karnataka. This study focuses on its distribution, morphology, ecological characteristics and agricultural significance.

References

  1. 1. Kissmann KG. Plantas infestantes e nocivas. São Paulo: BASF; 1997.
  2. 2. Holm LG, Plucknett DL, Pancho JV, Herberger JP. The world’s worst weeds: distribution and biology. Malabar (FL): University Press Hawaii; 1991. p. 609.
  3. 3. Bryson CT, Carter R. Biology of invasive weeds in the southern United States. Weed Technol. 2008;22:557–66.
  4. 4. Jackson BP, Taylor VF, Karagas MR, Punshon T, Ottingham KL. Arsenic exposure and toxicology in human populations. J Environ Sci. 2019;78(3):45–62.
  5. 5. Sage RF, Pearcy RW. The physiological ecology of C4 photosynthesis. Plant Physiol Biochem. 2000;38:119–33. https://doi.org/10.1007/0-306-48137-5_21
  6. 6. Holm L, Doll J, Holm E, Pancho J, Herberger J. World weeds: natural histories and distribution. New York: John Wiley & Sons; 1997.
  7. 7. Ellison CA, Evans HC. Present status of the biological control programme for the graminaceous weed Rottboellia cochinchinensis. In: Proc 8th Int Symp Biol Control Weeds; Lincoln University, Canterbury, New Zealand. Melbourne: DSIR/CSIRO; 1992. p. 211–18.
  8. 8. Indian Council of Agricultural Research. Annual report of All India Coordinated Research Project on Weed Management. Bangalore: ICAR–University Agricultural Science; 2022.
  9. 9. Le Bourgeois T, Merlier H, Guillon J. Weed flora of maize in tropical regions: biological and ecological characteristics. Weed Res. 1997;37:319–30.
  10. 10. Krishiscience. Weed management and control strategies for Rottboellia cochinchinensis in Karnataka. India: Krishiscience; 2023.
  11. 11. Ekeleme F, Akobundu IO, Chikoye D. Influence of fallow systems and crop management on itchgrass (Rottboellia cochinchinensis) infestation in maize. Crop Prot. 2000;19:597–603.
  12. 12. Webster TM, Cardina J, Loux MM. Weed biology and interference of itchgrass (Rottboellia cochinchinensis) in maize. Weed Sci. 2005;53:573–80.
  13. 13. Spaunhorst DJ. Influence of establishment timing on growth and fecundity of two itchgrass biotypes. Weed Sci. 2020;68(4):418–25. https://doi.org/10.1017/wsc.2020.30
  14. 14. Government of Karnataka. Annual report on weed management in maize. Karnataka (India): Department of Agriculture, Government of Karnataka; 2022.
  15. 15. Chauhan BS, Johnson DE. The role of seed ecology in improving weed management strategies in the tropics. Adv Agron. 2010;105:221–62. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0065-2113(10)05006-6
  16. 16. Murali K, Kamala Bai S, Dayanandnaik S, Pavan AS, Prajwala B, Patil O. Itchgrass (Rottboellia cochinchinensis) and its management. Mysore J Agric Sci. 2025;59(4):1–447.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.