ABSTRACT
A weed is any plant that is objectionable or interferes with the activities or welfare of man [1]. Approximately 30,000 of the 250,000 plant species in the world are considered to be weeds but only about 250 species are troublesome enough to be classifi ed as weeds throughout the world (Table 5.1) [2,3]. Turfgrass quality is determined by uniformity, smoothness, texture, and color. The most undesirable characteristic of weeds in turf is the disruption of visual turf uniformity (texture and/or density) that occurs when weeds with a leaf width or shape, growth habit, or color that is different from the turf are present. Broadleaf weeds such as dandelion (Taraxacum offi cinale Weber in Wiggers), plantains (Plantago sp.), and pennywort (Hydrocotyle sp.) have leaves with different size and shape than the desirable turf species. Goosegrass (Eleusine indica (L.) Gaertn.) and annual bluegrass (Poa annua L.) grow in clumps or patches and disrupt turf uniformity. The lighter green color typically associated with certain weeds, such as annual bluegrass, in a golf green often detracts from the playing surface. In addition to being unsightly, weeds compete with turfgrass for light, nutrients, and soil moisture. Weeds can also be hosts for other pests such as diseases, insects, and nematodes.
