Negative Influence of Johnson Grass (Sorghum halepense L) on Yield of Crops Along with the Strategies to Suppress its Growth with Chemical and Other Management Approaches – A Review

Abstract

Johnson grass is on the most deleterious, tenacious, threatening and pervasive weed and is found almost in complete globe except Antarctica. It is ranked in top ten worst weeds of all time. The main regions of its growth and spread are USA and Europe. The average height of Johnson grass lies between 3ft-10ft which is enough for survival and causing destruction to plants of main crop. It is narrow leafed weed belonging to family of sorghum which belong to Poaceae family. It has deep rooted system containing thick and fleshy rhizomes which are the main reason for its spread. These rhizomes have the ability to extend up to 80m. In this present review, information is gathered about the ecology and biology of Johnson grass along with its economic impact on crops and its control measures through different chemicals and management practices. The main focus of review was on growth mechanism and most importantly on its control of Johnson grass. From this whole discussion we have concluded that use of chemical herbicides is most effective in controlling its spread. Application of glyphosate and asulam as chemicals proved to be best in performance and in management practices or non-chemical methods black plastic sheet and soil solarization are well adopted conducts to suppress its growth to large extent. Along with that combination of chemicals and non-chemical practices would be recommended as they not only diminishes the growth of Johnson grass but also enhances the crop productivity.