Biology and management of Echinochloa colona and E. crus-galli in the northern grain regions of Australia

Abstract

Echinochloa colona and E. crus-galli are two important annual grass weeds distributed throughout the summer cropping regions of Australia. Both species are highly problematic weeds, responsible for yield losses of up to 50% in summer grain crops. The success of Echinochloa species as weeds is attributed to their rapid growth, prolific seed production, seed dormancy and adaptability to a wide range of environments. Importantly, E. colona has evolved resistance to glyphosate in Australia, with resistant populations now widespread across the summer cropping regions. Fallow management of E. colona with glyphosate alone is risky in terms of increasing the chance of resistance and highly unsustainable; other control strategies (residual herbicides, strategic tillage, etc.) should be considered to complement herbicides. This review provides a summary of current information on the biology, ecology and management of Echinochloa species. The knowledge gaps and research opportunities identified will have pragmatic implications for the management of these species in Australian grain cropping systems.