Cogon Grass (Siru)

Catalogue Type

Weed Catalogue

Scientific Name

Imperata Cylindrica (L.) Raeuschel

Family

Poaceae

Distinguishing Characters

one of the world’s worst weeds; C4 plant; acidand
alkaline-tolerant; prefers light-textured soils; many
infested fi elds are abandoned; burning does not injure
rhizomes

Photo of Weed

Description

Found in: upland
Establishment method: DS
Growth habit: erect, tufted, and unbranched; scaly rhizomes;up to 2 m
Moisture: moist to dry; well-drained
Competitiveness: high
Seed contaminant: unknown
Cultural control: legume cover crops; repeated tillage to desiccate rhizomes; flooding; rotation
Reported resistance: none
Life cycle: perennial
Seed wt: 1
Method(s) of reproduction: seeds, rhizomes
Dormancy: none in seeds, but lateral buds are dormant; seeds viable for up to 1 year
Elevation: up to 3,000 m
Light: sunny; shade-sensitive