Study specimens G (GOAT WEED), H (SIDA WEED), I (SPEAR GRASS), J (ELEPHANT GRASS), and K (PIG WEED) carefully and answer the following questions.
(a) State the botanical names of each of specimens G,H, I, J, and K.
(b) Give one reason why each of specimens 1, J, and K is difficult to control.
(c) Mention two uses of specimen J.
(d) State five ways in which specimens G, H, I, J, and K are of economic importance to farmers.
Explanation
(a)
- G:Goat weed Ageraturn conizoides.
- H:Sida weed Sida acuta
- T: Spear grass Imperiata cylindrica
- J:Elephant grass: Penisetum pur purcum
- K:Pigweed Boerhavia diffusa.
(b)
- It has an underground stem rhizome that produces new shoots from its axillary.
- It has the ability to produce both roots and new shoots from each nodes.
- It is propagated by stolon.
- It is aggoesive
(c)
- It selves as feed for Polygastric animals
- It can be made into hay and silage for farm animals
- The shoot can be used to make fence
- The Shoot can be used to make mats, doors, and as fire Woods.
- It can help to check soil erosion.
(d)
- Some are used in feeding farm animals
- Some are used as medicine
- They cover the surface of the soil.
- They increase the cost of production in (Controlling them)
- They compete with crops for nutrients, water, sunlight etc.