Overview of the Invasive Weed Species <i>Eriochloa villosa</i> (Thunb.) Kunth and Its Management in Europe

The wooly cupgrass (<i>Eriochloa villosa</i>) is an invasive weed species originating from East Asia that rapidly expanded into agricultural and disturbed land. Its tolerance to herbicides and ecological adaptations enable it to become persistent and difficult to remove with limited cont...

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Main Authors: Sandra Florina Lele, Igori Balta, Gabi Dumitrescu, Teodor Cristea, Florica Emilia Morariu, Alexandru Nan, Dragoș Alexandru Cristea, Ioan Peț
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-05-01
Series:Agriculture
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0472/15/11/1180
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author Sandra Florina Lele
Igori Balta
Gabi Dumitrescu
Teodor Cristea
Florica Emilia Morariu
Alexandru Nan
Dragoș Alexandru Cristea
Ioan Peț
author_facet Sandra Florina Lele
Igori Balta
Gabi Dumitrescu
Teodor Cristea
Florica Emilia Morariu
Alexandru Nan
Dragoș Alexandru Cristea
Ioan Peț
author_sort Sandra Florina Lele
collection DOAJ
description The wooly cupgrass (<i>Eriochloa villosa</i>) is an invasive weed species originating from East Asia that rapidly expanded into agricultural and disturbed land. Its tolerance to herbicides and ecological adaptations enable it to become persistent and difficult to remove with limited control methods. This review synthesizes existing research on its distribution, biology, biochemistry, ecology, management and agricultural impact. Lipid synthesis inhibitor herbicides are reported to provide good results when applied early. Others such as Nicosulfuron and Foramsulfuron, although still effective in many populations, have been linked to emerging resistance in others. Chemical control is still widely used and developing resistance is an increasing concern, so various other control methods are also discussed and encouraged. Row crops such as corn (<i>Zea mays</i>) and soybeans (<i>Glycine max</i>) are particularly vulnerable. Despite being problematic, this species presents potential as a medicinal plant as well as in phytoremediation. Regardless, numerous research gaps remain, particularly in chemical control, its economic impact, biochemical properties, community dynamics and distribution. We aim to provide a comprehensive basis for future research with a focus on interdisciplinary approaches in order to contain its spread as much as possible, as well as explore the benefits it may provide.
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publishDate 2025-05-01
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spelling doaj-art-b9ed94fb723d486c8f351e7bf36467c12025-08-20T02:32:49ZengMDPI AGAgriculture2077-04722025-05-011511118010.3390/agriculture15111180Overview of the Invasive Weed Species <i>Eriochloa villosa</i> (Thunb.) Kunth and Its Management in EuropeSandra Florina Lele0Igori Balta1Gabi Dumitrescu2Teodor Cristea3Florica Emilia Morariu4Alexandru Nan5Dragoș Alexandru Cristea6Ioan Peț7Faculty of Bioengineering of Animal Resources, Department of Biotechnology, University of Life Sciences “King Mihai I” from Timisoara, 300645 Timisoara, RomaniaFaculty of Bioengineering of Animal Resources, Department of Biotechnology, University of Life Sciences “King Mihai I” from Timisoara, 300645 Timisoara, RomaniaFaculty of Bioengineering of Animal Resources, Department of Biotechnology, University of Life Sciences “King Mihai I” from Timisoara, 300645 Timisoara, RomaniaFaculty of Engineering and Applied Technologies, Department of Forestry, University of Life Sciences “King Mihai I” from Timisoara, 300645 Timisoara, RomaniaFaculty of Bioengineering of Animal Resources, Department of Biotechnology, University of Life Sciences “King Mihai I” from Timisoara, 300645 Timisoara, RomaniaFaculty of Bioengineering of Animal Resources, Department of Biotechnology, University of Life Sciences “King Mihai I” from Timisoara, 300645 Timisoara, RomaniaFaculty of Engineering and Applied Technologies, Department of Horticulture, University of Life Sciences “King Mihai I” from Timisoara, 300645 Timisoara, RomaniaFaculty of Bioengineering of Animal Resources, Department of Biotechnology, University of Life Sciences “King Mihai I” from Timisoara, 300645 Timisoara, RomaniaThe wooly cupgrass (<i>Eriochloa villosa</i>) is an invasive weed species originating from East Asia that rapidly expanded into agricultural and disturbed land. Its tolerance to herbicides and ecological adaptations enable it to become persistent and difficult to remove with limited control methods. This review synthesizes existing research on its distribution, biology, biochemistry, ecology, management and agricultural impact. Lipid synthesis inhibitor herbicides are reported to provide good results when applied early. Others such as Nicosulfuron and Foramsulfuron, although still effective in many populations, have been linked to emerging resistance in others. Chemical control is still widely used and developing resistance is an increasing concern, so various other control methods are also discussed and encouraged. Row crops such as corn (<i>Zea mays</i>) and soybeans (<i>Glycine max</i>) are particularly vulnerable. Despite being problematic, this species presents potential as a medicinal plant as well as in phytoremediation. Regardless, numerous research gaps remain, particularly in chemical control, its economic impact, biochemical properties, community dynamics and distribution. We aim to provide a comprehensive basis for future research with a focus on interdisciplinary approaches in order to contain its spread as much as possible, as well as explore the benefits it may provide.https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0472/15/11/1180allelochemicalcompetitioneconomic impactherbicide toleranceinvasion mechanisms<i>Paspalum villosum</i>
spellingShingle Sandra Florina Lele
Igori Balta
Gabi Dumitrescu
Teodor Cristea
Florica Emilia Morariu
Alexandru Nan
Dragoș Alexandru Cristea
Ioan Peț
Overview of the Invasive Weed Species <i>Eriochloa villosa</i> (Thunb.) Kunth and Its Management in Europe
Agriculture
allelochemical
competition
economic impact
herbicide tolerance
invasion mechanisms
<i>Paspalum villosum</i>
title Overview of the Invasive Weed Species <i>Eriochloa villosa</i> (Thunb.) Kunth and Its Management in Europe
title_full Overview of the Invasive Weed Species <i>Eriochloa villosa</i> (Thunb.) Kunth and Its Management in Europe
title_fullStr Overview of the Invasive Weed Species <i>Eriochloa villosa</i> (Thunb.) Kunth and Its Management in Europe
title_full_unstemmed Overview of the Invasive Weed Species <i>Eriochloa villosa</i> (Thunb.) Kunth and Its Management in Europe
title_short Overview of the Invasive Weed Species <i>Eriochloa villosa</i> (Thunb.) Kunth and Its Management in Europe
title_sort overview of the invasive weed species i eriochloa villosa i thunb kunth and its management in europe
topic allelochemical
competition
economic impact
herbicide tolerance
invasion mechanisms
<i>Paspalum villosum</i>
url https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0472/15/11/1180
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