Saramollagrass

Scientific name: Ischaemum rugosum
Synonyms: Murainagrass, Ribbed muraina grass, Saramatta grass, Saromacca grass, Wrinkle grass, Wrinkle beak grass

Habitat

Open, disturbed or newly cleared areas

Affected crops

Rice, vegetables, and other agricultural crops

Distribution

Asia, South and North America

Description

The stem is erect, purplish and usually has long hairs at the nodes. The stem bears the flower head which is long and slender. The flowers are yellowish-green and have very distinct transverse ridges or wrinkles, hence some of its known names. The weed is propagated by seeds and one plant can produce about 4,000 seeds.

Effects and impacts

The weed can reduce rice yields by up to 48%. It is an alternate host for rice insect pests, diseases, and nematodes (Rice IPM, 2001).

It is used as animal fodder and a good source material for mulching and composting.

Studies show that Saramollagrass is found to be resistant to Paraquat at vegetable and rubber plantations in Saramrah, Malaysia, and to Fenoxaprop-p-ethyl on rice fields in some parts of Colombia (Weed Science, 2005).

Methods of control

1. Use clean seeds
2. Make sure that the seedbed is free of weeds
3. Proper land preparation
4. Regular field monitoring
5. Keep the surroundings (bunds, levees, irrigation canals) free of weeds
6. Regular hand weeding or hoeing

External links

• FAO. Ischaemum rugosum. http://www.fao.org/ag/AGP/AGPC/doc/GBASE/DATA/PF000483.HTM
• Rice Knowledge Bank. Ischaemum rugosum. http://www.knowledgebank.irri.org/ipm/index.php/the-dirty-dozen/ischaemum-rugosum-salisb

References

• CABI. (2001): Crop protection compendium. Global module, 3rd edition. CAB International Publishing. Wallingford, UK.
• CABI. (2000): Crop protection compendium. Global module, 2nd edition. CABI Publishing, Wallingford, UK.
• 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.