Systematic study of weedy species of Setaria (L.) P. Beauv. (Poaceae) in Iran.

ABSTRACT

Weedy species of Setaria (L.) P. Beauv. (Poaceae, Panicoiodeae and Paniceae) compose one of the worst weed groups interfering with world agriculture and in other disturbed and managed habitats. These weed species (S. glauca, S. viridis and S. verticillata) form the foxtail species-group in Iran. In this study 30 populations from different part of Iran were collected. Morphological traits were studied. Some morphological characters as texture of upper lemma, awn color and ligule shape are used to differentiate Setaria species group in Iran. It is believed that these morphological traits have a lot of overlapping. Morphological variations were evaluated by multivariate statistical methods. This study shows the systematic value of different quantitative and qualitative characters in weedy Setaria species native to Iran. An identification key based on studied characters is provided.