Sorghum halepense, commonly called Johnson grass, is a plant in the grass family, Poaceae, native to the Mediterranean region, but growing throughout Europe and the Middle East. The plant has been introduced to all continents except Antarctica, and most larger islands and archipelagos. It reproduces by rhizomes and seeds.[+]
Johnsongrass has been used for forage and to stop erosion, but it is often considered a weed for the following reasons:
This species occurs in crop fields, pastures, abandoned fields, rights-of-way, forest edges, and along streambanks. It thrives in open, disturbed, rich, bottom ground, particularly in cultivated fields. Johnsongrass resistant to the common herbicide glyphosate has been found in Argentina and the United States. It is considered to be one of the ten worst weeds in the world.
It is named after an Alabama plantation owner, Colonel William Johnson, who sowed its seeds on river-bottom farm land circa 1840. The plant was already established in several US states a decade earlier, having been introduced as a prospective forage or accidentally as a seedlot contaminant.
AI-generated description
Sorghum halepense, also known as Johnson grass, is a perennial grass native to the Mediterranean region. In Qatar, it has been naturalized and is considered an invasive species. Studies have found that S. halepense is widely distributed in Qatar, particularly in areas with fertile soil and adequate moisture, such as agricultural fields, roadsides, and coastal regions. It can outcompete native vegetation and is often associated with disturbed habitats. The plant's ability to tolerate high temperatures, drought, and salinity makes it well-suited to Qatar's arid environment.
Johnson grass (Sorghum halepense) on Green Circles (center-pivot irrigation) in Irkhaya (Irkaya) Farms. South-western Qatar, November 15, 2014
Seeds of Johnson grass (Sorghum halepense) on Green Circles (center-pivot irrigation) in Irkhaya (Irkaya) Farms. South-western Qatar, November 15, 2014
Close up of seeds of Johnson grass (Sorghum halepense) taken from Green Circles (center-pivot irrigation) in Irkhaya (Irkaya) Farms. South-western Qatar, November 15, 2014
Grass spikelet of Sorghum halepense(?) taken from a place with water leakage in Al Luqta area. Doha, Qatar, March 13, 2015
Johnson grass (Sorghum halepense)(?) on Green Circles (center-pivot irrigation) in Irkhaya (Irkaya) Farms. Qatar, February 26, 2016
Spike of Johnson grass (Sorghum halepense)(?) on Green Circles (center-pivot irrigation) in Irkhaya (Irkaya) Farms. Qatar, February 26, 2016
Close up of Johnson grass (Sorghum halepense)(?) on Green Circles (center-pivot irrigation) in Irkhaya (Irkaya) Farms. Qatar, February 26, 2016
Spikelets of Johnson grass (Sorghum halepense)(?) on Green Circles (center-pivot irrigation) in Irkhaya (Irkaya) Farms. Qatar, February 26, 2016
AI-generated summary of observations
Observations of Sorghum halepense in Qatar reveal that the plant is commonly found in areas with center-pivot irrigation, such as the Green Circles in Irkhaya Farms. Seeds of the plant were observed on November 15, 2014, and close-up photos of the seeds were taken. In Al Luqta area, a grass spikelet of Sorghum halepense was found near a water leakage site on March 13, 2015. Later observations in Irkhaya Farms on February 26, 2016, showed the plant growing with distinct spikes and spikelets. Close-up photos of the plant's spikelets were also taken, providing detailed views of its structure. The presence of Sorghum halepense in these areas suggests that it is adapted to thrive in irrigated environments in Qatar. The plant's growth and seed production were consistently observed across different dates and locations.