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
- Use clean seeds
- Make sure that the seedbed is free of weeds
- Proper land preparation
- Regular field monitoring
- Keep the surroundings (bunds, levees, irrigation canals) free of weeds
- Regular hand weeding or hoeing