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

Sandra Florina Lele, Igori Balta, Gabi Dumitrescu (), Teodor Cristea, Florica Emilia Morariu, Alexandru Nan, Dragoș Alexandru Cristea and Ioan Peț
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Sandra Florina Lele: Faculty of Bioengineering of Animal Resources, Department of Biotechnology, University of Life Sciences “King Mihai I” from Timisoara, 300645 Timisoara, Romania
Igori Balta: Faculty of Bioengineering of Animal Resources, Department of Biotechnology, University of Life Sciences “King Mihai I” from Timisoara, 300645 Timisoara, Romania
Gabi Dumitrescu: Faculty of Bioengineering of Animal Resources, Department of Biotechnology, University of Life Sciences “King Mihai I” from Timisoara, 300645 Timisoara, Romania
Teodor Cristea: Faculty of Engineering and Applied Technologies, Department of Forestry, University of Life Sciences “King Mihai I” from Timisoara, 300645 Timisoara, Romania
Florica Emilia Morariu: Faculty of Bioengineering of Animal Resources, Department of Biotechnology, University of Life Sciences “King Mihai I” from Timisoara, 300645 Timisoara, Romania
Alexandru Nan: Faculty of Bioengineering of Animal Resources, Department of Biotechnology, University of Life Sciences “King Mihai I” from Timisoara, 300645 Timisoara, Romania
Dragoș Alexandru Cristea: Faculty of Engineering and Applied Technologies, Department of Horticulture, University of Life Sciences “King Mihai I” from Timisoara, 300645 Timisoara, Romania
Ioan Peț: Faculty of Bioengineering of Animal Resources, Department of Biotechnology, University of Life Sciences “King Mihai I” from Timisoara, 300645 Timisoara, Romania

Agriculture, 2025, vol. 15, issue 11, 1-29

Abstract: The wooly cupgrass ( Eriochloa villosa ) 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 ( Zea mays ) and soybeans ( Glycine max ) 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.

Keywords: allelochemical; competition; economic impact; herbicide tolerance; invasion mechanisms; Paspalum villosum; research gap; weed control; wooly cupgrass (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q1 Q10 Q11 Q12 Q13 Q14 Q15 Q16 Q17 Q18 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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