Cenchrus biflorus Roxb. (Indian sandbur), a blessing or curse in arid ecosystems: a review |
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| Authors: | A M Peerzada M Naeem H H Ali A Tanveer M M Javaid B S Chauhan |
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| Institution: | 1. Department of Agronomy, University College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur, Pakistan;2. Department of Agronomy, University College of Agriculture, University of Sargodha, Sargodha, Pakistan;3. University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan;4. The Centre for Plant Science, Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation (QAAFI), The University of Queensland, Toowoomba, Qld, Australia |
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| Abstract: | Although a widely used forage plant in arid areas, Cenchrus biflorus is viewed by many scientists as an invasive weed that has a serious negative impact on agriculture and biodiversity in arid and semi‐arid environments. It has risen from insignificance as a forage and famine cereal crop to its recent status as one of the most economically destructive weeds in many regions of the world. Numerous features like high nutritional value, prolific seed production, tolerance to high temperature and prolonged drought conditions contributed greatly towards its success as a potential forage species in arid environments. But, evidence from agriculturalists shows that it is a destructive invader which disrupts cultural practices and reduces natural biodiversity. Unfortunately, limited knowledge is available about its ecology and management in natural habitats and agro‐ecosystems. In this paper, we provide a comprehensive review of its ecology, biology, agricultural impact, management and utilization. This review also provides future directions for research on C. biflorus in arid environments. |
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| Keywords: | biodiversity dispersal famine cereal forage invasive semi‐arid |
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