Alternative Names. Means grass.
General Biology. Growth form. Grass. Life
form. Perennial, rhizomatous. Reproduction. Seed, rhizome.
Dispersal. Explosive dehiscing, wind, water (especially flooding),
birds, cattle, other animals, contaminated seed. Photosynthetic Pathway.
C4. Toxicity. Occasionally causes cyanide posioning in cattle
and horses. Significant cause of hay fever. Seedbank persistence. 5+
years. Fire response. Resprouts.
Notes. Widespread and highly invasive species. Occurs in
nutrient-rich habitats and is characterised by intensive nutrient uptake and
high growth rates. Can reproduce sexually and asexually. Produces prolific seed
which can remain dormant in the soil for up to 20 years. Germinability is
highest at 20-30 degrees celsius at soil depths of less than 12 cm. Forms
primary, secondary and tertiary rhizomes. Regeneration of a rhizome cutting
requires it to have at least one intact node and 2 internodes. Has deep
branching rhizomes. Killed by heavy frost.
Additional information. Origin. Mediterranean.
History of use/introduction. Contaminated crop seed.
Suggested method of management and control. Spray during
first 2 weeks of season's growth with 1% glyphosate or 8 ml/10 L (400 ml/ha)
Verdict 520® + wetting agent. Follow-up spot spray and control of seedlings.
Should be controlled before rhizomes are formed, generally before 7-leaf stage.
Read the manufacturers' labels and material safety data sheets before using
herbicides. For further information consult the Australian Pesticides and
Veterinary Medicines Authority to determine the status of permits for your
situation or state.
Management Calendar
Calendar Type |
Jan |
Feb |
Mar |
Apr |
May |
Jun |
Jul |
Aug |
Sep |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec |
Comments |
Active Growth |
Y |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
Germination |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
U |
U |
|
|
Flowering |
Y |
Y |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Y |
|
Fruiting |
|
U |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Optimum Treatment |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
Legend: Y = Yes, regularly,
O = Occasionally, U =
Uncertain, referred by others but not confirmed.
References
- Barrentine, W. & McWhorter, C. (1988) Johnson grass (Sorghum
halepense) control with herbicides in oil diluent. Weed Science,
36: 102-110.
- California Department of Food and Agriculture (2001) Encycloweedia: The
noxious weeds data sheets. URL: http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/phpps/ipc/encycloweedia/encycloweedia_hp.htm
- Accessed December 2007.
- Conn, J.S. & Deck, R.E. (1991) Bluejoint Reedgrass (Calamagrostis
canadensis) control with glyphosate and additives. Weed
Technology, 5: 521-524.
- Essl, F. (2005) Invasion history and phytosociological affinities of Johnson
grass (Sorghum halepense) - a case study from eastern Upper Austria.
Tuexenia, 25: 251-268.
- Hussey, B.M.J., Keighery, G.J., Dodd, J., Lloyd, S.G. & Cousens, R.D.
(2007) Western Weeds. A guide to the weeds of Western Australia. 2nd
Edition. The Plant Protection Society of Western Australia, Victoria Park.
- Mitich, L.W. (1987) Colonel Johnson's Grass: Johnsonsgrass. Weed
Technology, 1 (1): 112-113.
- Moore, C.B. & Moore, J.H. (2002) Herbiguide, the pesticide expert on
a disk. Herbiguide, PO Box 44 Albany, Western Australia, 6330.
- Newman, D. (1990) Element stewardship abstract for Sorghum
halepense, Johnson Grass. The Nature Conservancy, Arlington, USA. URL:
http://tncweeds.ucdavis.edu/esadocs.html
- Accessed December 2007.
- Oyer, E.B., Gries, G.A. & Rogers, B.J. (1959) The seasonal development
of Johnson grass plants. Weeds, 7 (1): 13-19.
- Snyder, S.A. (1992) Sorghum halepense. In U.S. Department
of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, Fire Sciences
Laboratory (2002, April). Fire Effects Information System. URL: http://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants/
- Accessed December 2007.
- Toth, V. & Lehoczky, E. (2006) Characteristics of development and
nutrient uptake of Johnson grass (Sorghum halepense (L.) Pers.) growing
from seed during the first year. Journal of Plant Diseases and
Protection, 20: 363-368.
- Toth, V. & Lehoczky, E. (2006) Investigations on the germination depth
of Johnson grass (Sorghum halepense [L.] pers). Communications in
Agricultural & Applied Biological Sciences, 71 (3):
803-808.
- Vrbnicanin, S. & Janjic, V. (2004) Biology, ecology and control of
Johnson grass (Sorghum halepense (L.) Pers.). Biljni Lekar (Plant
Doctor), 32 (5): 377-383.
- Webber, R.W. (2004) Johnson grass. Annal Allergy Asthma Immunology,
93 (1): A6.