A REVIEW ON GENUS ALTERNANTHERA WEEDS IMPLICATIONS

Alternanthera is a genus of approximately 200 low herbaceous plant species in Amaranthaceae, the amaranth family. The most problematic Alternanthera species which have been reported in the literature include A. angustifolia, A. denticulata, A. nana, A. nodiflora, A. sessilis, A. paronychioides, A. philoxeroides, A. punguns, A. tenella and A. triandra. Alternanthera philoxeroides, A. sessilis and A. punguns are the non native aquatic members that occur in Pakistan. Review of literature revealed A. philoxeroides as the most troublesome and extensively studied Alternanthera species in the world. Yield losses of 19-60% have been reported due to A. sessilis and A. philoxeroides in field crops. Alkaloids and phenols present in Alternanthera species inhibit the germination and early seedling growth of crops and vegetables. Fluchloralin, pendimethalin, penoxsulam and pretilachlor are recommended for control of various Alternanthera species in field crops. Dichlobenil, dichloform, fluridone, glyphosate, imazapyr and metsulfuron-methyl are recommended for control of A. philoxeroides in aquatic, semi-aquatic and terrestrial areas.