The biology of Canadian weeds. 141. Setaria faberi Herrm

Nurse, R. E., Darbyshire, S. J., Bertin, C. and DiTommaso, A. 2009. The Biology of Canadian Weeds. 141. Setaria faberi Herrm. Can. J. Plant Sci. 89: 379-404. Setaria faberi, commonly known as giant foxtail, is an annual graminaceous weed that is native to eastern China, has colonized eastern North America and is expanding its range westward. This species is primarily self-pollinated and the only mechanism of reproduction is by seed. Adult plants may reach 2 m in height and produce over 2000 seeds per panicle. Seeds may possess non-deep physiological dormancy when freshly produced, and can form small persistent seed banks. If not controlled, S. faberi populations can cause severe yield reductions in corn and soybean crops. Several herbicides are available to provide chemical control; however, resistance to some modes of action, (ALS, ACCase, and Photosystem II) have been identified in Canada and the United States. Leaves and seeds of this species provide a food source to several species of mammals, birds, and insects.