Comparative Morphological Development of Cogongrass (Imperata cylindrica) in Iraq

Abstract

Field experiments were conducted over a 2-yr period to study the comparative morphological development of cogongrass [Imperata cylindrica(L.) Beauv.] ecotypes from 15 different locations throughout the three main regions of Iraq. Plant height and density of stands varied more than 2-fold. The number of flowering heads varied 11-fold for plants collected from the different locations. Mature leaf-blades varied in width from 4.7 to 6.9 mm. These distinct variations indicate the existence of different ecotypes of cogongrass in Iraq.