Crowfoot grass

Scientific name: Dactyloctenium aegyptium
Synonyms: Beach wiregrass, Button grass, Duck grass, Giant button grass, Finger comb grass



Photo by Jewel Kinilitan-Bissdorf

Habitat

Cultivated and uncultivated areas, especially sandy soils

Affected crops

Most agricultural crops

Distribution

Asia, Australia, Africa, South America, USA

Description

The stem has a spreading, creeping and mat-forming structure. It roots at the lower nodes. The flower head has 2-7 spikelets borne at the tip of the stem. The seed head looks like a crow's foot, hence the name. Each plant may produce up to 60,000 seeds.

Effect and impact

The weed reduces yields as it competes in the nutrient uptake, moisture, and light during the growing season. It also interferes in the harvesting operation.

Methods of control

1. Proper seed selection
2. Thorough land preparation
3. Regular field monitoring
4. Hand weeding/hand pulling when the weeds are young
5. Cultivation using farm or mechanical implements
6. Removing weeds before they start to flower
7. Mulching
8. Closer planting
9. Intercropping

External links

• FAO. Dactyloctenium aegyptium. http://www.fao.org/ag/AGP/AGPC/doc/Gbase/DATA/PF000211.HTM
• Virginia Tech. Crowfoot grass. http://www.ppws.vt.edu/scott/weed_id/dttae.htm
• UC IPM. Identification of grasses. http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/FIG/weed_grass.html

References

• IRRI & Queensland University. (2001): Rice IPM. An interactive information and identification system for integrated pest management in rice. University of Queensland and IRRI.
• Moody, K.; Munroe, C.; Lubigan, R.; Paller , E. (1984): Major weeds of the Philippines. University of the Philippines, Los Baños. Laguna, Philippines.