Chrysopogon zizanioides (L.) Nash ex Small "Wild Type" Family - Poaceae. Common Names(s) - Vetivergrass . Synonym(s) - Anatherum zizanioides (L.) A.S. Hitchc. & Chase, Phalaris zizanioides L., Vetiveria zizanioides (L.) Nash.

Answer

Score

1.01

Is the species highly domesticated?

y=-3, n=0

n

0

1.02

Has the species become naturalized where grown?

y=1, n=-1

1.03

Does the species have weedy races?

y=-1, n=-1

2.01

Species suited to tropical or subtropical climate(s) (0-low; 1-intermediate; 2-high) – If island is primarily wet habitat, then substitute “wet tropical” for “tropical or subtropical”

See Append 2

2

2.02

Quality of climate match data (0-low; 1-intermediate; 2-high) see appendix 2

2

2.03

Broad climate suitability (environmental versatility)

y=1, n=0

y

1

2.04

Native or naturalized in regions with tropical or subtropical climates

y=1, n=0

y

1

2.05

Does the species have a history of repeated introductions outside its natural range?

y=-2, ?=-1, n=0

n

3.01

Naturalized beyond native range y = 1*multiplier (see Append 2), n= question 2.05

y

2

3.02

Garden/amenity/disturbance weed y = 1*multiplier (see Append 2)

n=0

y

2

3.03

Agricultural/forestry/horticultural weed y = 2*multiplier (see Append 2)

n=0

3.04

Environmental weed y = 2*multiplier (see Append 2)

n=0

n

0

3.05

Congeneric weed y = 1*multiplier (see Append 2)

n=0

y

2

4.01

Produces spines, thorns or burrs

y=1, n=0

n

0

4.02

Allelopathic

y=1, n=0

4.03

Parasitic

y=1, n=0

n

0

4.04

Unpalatable to grazing animals

y=1, n=-1

n

-1

4.05

Toxic to animals

y=1, n=0

n

0

4.06

Host for recognized pests and pathogens

y=1, n=0

n

0

4.07

Causes allergies or is otherwise toxic to humans

y=1, n=0

n

0

4.08

Creates a fire hazard in natural ecosystems

y=1, n=0

y

1

4.09

Is a shade tolerant plant at some stage of its life cycle

y=1, n=0

4.10

Tolerates a wide range of soil conditions (or limestone conditions if not a volcanic island)

y=1, n=0

y

1

4.11

Climbing or smothering growth habit

y=1, n=0

n

0

4.12

Forms dense thickets

y=1, n=0

n

0

5.01

Aquatic

y=5, n=0

n

0

5.02

Grass

y=1, n=0

y

1

5.03

Nitrogen fixing woody plant

y=1, n=0

n

0

5.04

Geophyte (herbaceous with underground storage organs -- bulbs, corms, or tubers)

y=1, n=0

n

0

6.01

Evidence of substantial reproductive failure in native habitat

y=1, n=0

n

0

6.02

Produces viable seed.

y=1, n=-1

y

1

6.03

Hybridizes naturally

y=1, n=-1

6.04

Self-compatible or apomictic

y=1, n=-1

n

-1

6.05

Requires specialist pollinators

y=-1, n=0

n

0

6.06

Reproduction by vegetative fragmentation

y=1, n=-1

6.07

Minimum generative time (years) 1 year = 1, 2 or 3 years = 0, 4+ years = -1

See left

7.01

Propagules likely to be dispersed unintentionally (plants growing in heavily trafficked areas)

y=1, n=-1

y

1

7.02

Propagules dispersed intentionally by people

y=1, n=-1

n

-1

7.03

Propagules likely to disperse as a produce contaminant

y=1, n=-1

y

1

7.04

Propagules adapted to wind dispersal

y=1, n=-1

7.05

Propagules water dispersed

y=1, n=-1

y

1

7.06

Propagules bird dispersed

y=1, n=-1

n

-1

7.07

Propagules dispersed by other animals (externally)

y=1, n=-1

n

-1

7.08

Propagules survive passage through the gut

y=1, n=-1

8.01

Prolific seed production (>1000/m2)

y=1, n=-1

n

-1

8.02

Evidence that a persistent propagule bank is formed (>1 yr)

y=1, n=-1

8.03

Well controlled by herbicides

y=-1, n=1

y

-1

8.04

Tolerates, or benefits from, mutilation, cultivation, or fire

y=1, n=-1

y

1

8.05

Effective natural enemies present locally (e.g. introduced biocontrol agents)

y=-1, n=1

Total score:

9

Notes

Source

1.01

(1)A domesticated type of this species in south India is non-seeding, but a wild type from north India flowers and produces viable seed. (2)Kresovich and his colleagues initially investigated genetic variability and reported on the seemingly limited vetiver variation in the United States (Kresovich et al. 1994). They used Random Amplified Polymorphic DNAs (RAPDs) and found that RAPD patterns were very stable within clones, meaning that their results could be replicated. The patterning showed that the non-fertile 'Huffman' and 'Boucard' cultivars were identical (>.99+), and that these cultivars were clearly distinct from the seed of wild material from northern India (Simla, Punjab; USDA PI 196257).

(1)Parihar, S. S., B. Mal, V. Shankar, and A. Kak. 1998. Seed production and germination in vetiver grass (Vetiveria zizanioides). Tropical Grasslands 32(3): 173-177. (2)Greenfield, J.C. 2002. Vetiver Grass. Infinity Publishing.com, Haverford, PA.

1.02

1.03

2.01

(1)Vetiver grass (Vetiveria zizanioides) is a native of tropical and subtropical Asia, distributed from south-east Asia to tropical Africa, and including India.

(1)Parihar, S. S., B. Mal, V. Shankar, and A. Kak. 1998. Seed production and germination in vetiver grass (Vetiveria zizanioides). Tropical Grasslands 32(3): 173-177.

2.02

(1)Vetiver grass (Vetiveria zizanioides) is a native of tropical and subtropical Asia, distributed from south-east Asia to tropical Africa, and including India.

(1)Parihar, S. S., B. Mal, V. Shankar, and A. Kak. 1998. Seed production and germination in vetiver grass (Vetiveria zizanioides). Tropical Grasslands 32(3): 173-177.

2.03

(1)The plant’s environmental limits are surprisingly broad. It can grow on sites where annual rainfall ranges from 200 to 5,000 mm (Rahman, et al. 1996). It can withstand adverse climatic change. It can survive with temperature ranging from 0o to 50oC.

(1)Moula, M. G. and M. S. Rahman. 2008. Tiller Effects of Vetiver Grass (Vetiveria zizanioides (L.) Nash). AU J.T. 11(3): 191-194,

2.04

(1)Vetiver grass (Vetiveria zizanioides) is a native of tropical and subtropical Asia, distributed from south-east Asia to tropical Africa, and including India.

(1)Parihar, S. S., B. Mal, V. Shankar, and A. Kak. 1998. Seed production and germination in vetiver grass (Vetiveria zizanioides). Tropical Grasslands 32(3): 173-177.

2.05

[Evidence that Sunshine cultivar has been widely planted, but not northern fertile cultivar] (1) "The cultivars of vetiver used in Australia, South Africa, Portugal, Italy, China, Central and South America, Vietnam, Indonesia, Madagascar, West Indies and East and West Africa, amongst others, under the Vetiver Systems program are nearly always of the “Sunshine” derived genotype. This means that they all exhibit non-invasive characteristics as well as the other characteristics of vetiver grass for conservation and slope stabilization. It also means that except for some minor use adjustment to specific areas and needs this genotype can be used reliably without repetitive research."

(1)http://www.vetiver.org/KUW_WORKSHOP_papers/KUW_3DG.pdf (2)Adams, R. P.; Zhong, M.; Turuspekov, Y., et al. DNA fingerprinting reveals clonal nature of Vetiveria zizanioides (L.) Nash, Gramineae and sources of potential new germplasm Molecular Ecology 7 (7) : 813-818 July, 1998 (3)Greenfield, J.C. 2002. Vetiver Grass. Infinity Publishing.com, Haverford, PA.

3.01

(1)Vetiveria zizanioides was introduced into Fiji in 1907 and was grown under trial for the production of vetiver oil. It is cultivated in gardens but is also escaped and naturalized, occurring along roadsides and contour lines. Flowers have been noted from February through August.

(1)Smith, Albert C. 1979. Flora Vitiensis nova: a new flora of Fiji. National Tropical Botanical Garden, Lawai, Kauai, Hawaii. Volume 1.

3.02

(1)It is used extensively to bind rice bunds, as well as for contour lines and other conservation practices. The leaves are often used for thatching houses, and occasionally for making fine mats. On the other hand it may be considered a roadside weed. (2)Date: Mon, 12 Jan 2004 From: Rod Randall<RPRandallagric.wa.gov.au> Vetiver grass by any other name is still Vetiveria zizanioides (L.) Nash - Poaceae There are clonal forms that appear to be sterile and non clonal forms that do set seed. The seeding forms are becoming a weed problem in the northern wheatbelt town of Geraldton in WA and in my view even the sterile form has potential to become a weed. As perennial grasses have a pretty appalling track record in Australia this is very much a case of buyer beware. (3)The wild vetiver is weedy; it's a seedy plant that has fertile pollen and normal meiosis, and it gets around on its own. (4)Appendix 1 Invasive alien plant species in China [listed as occurring in 7 provinces]

(1)Smith, Albert C. 1979. Flora Vitiensis nova: a new flora of Fiji. National Tropical Botanical Garden, Lawai, Kauai, Hawaii. Volume 1. (2)http://www.weedscrc.org.au/cropweeds/crop_weeds_v.html [Accessed 04 May 2009] (3)Greenfield, J.C. 2002. Vetiver Grass. Infinity Publishing.com, Haverford, PA. (4)Weber, E., Shi-Guo Sun and Bo Li. 2008. Invasive alien plants in China: diversity and ecological insights. Biological Invasions 10(80: 1411-1429.

3.03

(1)Table 1. The detail of the weeds found in cotton fields of taluka Ubauro, District Sukkur, Pakistan [includes Vetiveria zizanioides (L.) Nash] (2)Reported as a weed or rice in south and southeast Asia [both reference are lists, and do not mention specific impacts or control of species in crops]

(1)RAJPUT, M. T., S. S. TAHIR, B. AHMED AND M. A. ARAIN. 2008. CHECK LIST OF THE WEEDS FOUND IN COTTON CROPS, CULTIVATED IN TALUKA UBAURO, DISTRICT SUKKUR, PAKISTAN. Pak. J. Bot., 40(1): 65-70. (2)Moody, K. 1989. Weeds reported in rice in South and Southeast Asia. Int. Rice Res. Inst., Manila, Philippines.

3.04

(1)Another concern is the promotion of fertile cultivars of Vetiver grass (Vetiveria zizanioides), from South and SE Asia, with 4-metre ‘roots of steel’, as described on one web site promoting its use. It may well be a good soil stabilizer, says Dr McFadyen, but that doesn’t mean we should plant it, especially not in its seeding forms. [concerns raised, but no direct evidence of environmental impacts, although information justifies answering yes to Question 3.02]

(1)http://www.weedscrc.org.au/documents/mr_investment.pdf [Accessed 12 May 2009]

3.05

(1)Chrysopogon aciculatus is listed as a serious weed in Australia, Borneo and Melanesia.

(1)Holm, LeRoy G., Pancho, Juan V., Herberger, James, P. and Plucknett, Donald L. 1991. A Geographical Atlas of World Weeds. Krieger Publishing Company. Malabar. Florida. Pg 86.

4.01

(1)No evidence of spines, thorns or burrs.

(1)Smith, Albert C. 1979. Flora Vitiensis nova: a new flora of Fiji. National Tropical Botanical Garden, Lawai, Kauai, Hawaii. Volume 1.

4.02

(1)We selected and examined 10 ecotypes of vetivergrass for their allelopathic effects. The allelopathic effects of aqueous extracts of each ecotype leaf, rhizome and root plant parts were determined on germination of radish (Raphanus sativas L.). All studied ecotypes inhibited the radish germination and magnitude of their inhibitory effects were ecotypes dependent and varied among plant parts. Nakhon Sawan ecotype was most inhibitory to radish seed germination. Leaves caused strongest inhibition, followed by rhizomes and roots. In another bioassay, the aqueous extracts (concentration of 100 mg/ml) from leaves of Nakhon Sawan ecotype were applied at germination of 15 bioassay plants. Radish, Pearl millet (Pennisetum americanum L.) and Chinese kale (Brasica oleracea var. alboglabra) were the most sensitive to the extract. Besides, a pot experiment showed that Nakhon Sawan leaf residues used as mulch on the soil surface or incorporated into soil reduced the germination and biomass of radish. To isolate inhibitory allelochemicals, methanol extract of Nakhon Sawan ecotype leaf was partitioned into ethyl acetate soluble acidic, neutral and aqueous fractions. The inhibition activities of three fractions were compared with the original extract. The results showed that inhibitory effects increased after solvent partitioning. The original extracts caused 22% inhibition in germination of radish seed at 4,000 ppm, while, ethyl acetate soluble acidic fraction at 4,000 ppm completely inhibited the seed germination. [no evidence from field conditions]

(1)Laosinwattana , C., W.  Phuwiwat , and P.  Charoenying . 2007. Assessment of allelopathic potential of Vetivergrass (Vetiveria spp.) ecotypes. Allelopathy Journal 19(2)

4.03

(1)It is a perennial grass common on river banks and marshy soils, and has rhizomatous, spongy and aromatic roots [no evidence]

(1)Parihar, S. S., B. Mal, V. Shankar, and A. Kak. 1998. Seed production and germination in vetiver grass (Vetiveria zizanioides). Tropical Grasslands 32(3): 173-177.

4.04

(1)Where there are other more palatable grasses vetiver grass is normally ignored by livestock, this an important feature if the grass hedge is to remain intact for many years. There has been very little research carried out on the management and feed value of vetiver as a fodder. It has been observed on many occasions, under farm conditions, that if the hedge is managed correctly, regular harvesting of young leaves is possible, and that these young leaves provide a maintenance ration. In Malaysia sheep will not eat vetiver in the field when there is an abundance of other more palatable species, but cut tops when fed to penned sheep were readily consumed. In China and Malaysia vetiver has been successfully fed to grass carp. In eastern Indonesia, under very dry conditions, vetiver was eaten by cows and horses. Under good management young vetiver leaves have a nutritive value similar to napier grass with Crude Protein levels of about 7.0%. Under good conditions high volumes of green leaf are available. In Texas [35] under irrigated conditions, production of dry matter at more than 100 tons per ha. per annum, equivalent to about 350 tons of fresh leaf, has been achieved. Reports [40] from China indicated mulch production from vetiver of 11.4, 14.7, and 17.8 tons of green weight per 100 sq. meters of hedge row over three consecutive years. Note 100 sq. meters in this case was equivalent to 230 linear meters of hedge. There is little doubt that with some improved management vetiver would make an adequate dry season fodder, particularly if combined with a high protein forage. Farmers at Gundalpet, India, have been using vetiver for centuries as a field boundary, and for fodder, where during the peak growing season it is cut once every three weeks. Reports for its use as a fodder come from many other countries including China, Guatemala, Honduras, Niger, and Mali. Some accessions are known to be more palatable - i.e. the so called “farmer” cultivar from Karnataka, which had been selected by farmers over decades as a softer and more palatable cultivar.

(1)http://www.vetiver.com/TVN_Mexico%20World%20.pdf [Accessed 01 May 2009]

4.05

(1)Where there are other more palatable grasses vetiver grass is normally ignored by livestock, this an important feature if the grass hedge is to remain intact for many years. There has been very little research carried out on the management and feed value of vetiver as a fodder. It has been observed on many occasions, under farm conditions, that if the hedge is managed correctly, regular harvesting of young leaves is possible, and that these young leaves provide a maintenance ration. In Malaysia sheep will not eat vetiver in the field when there is an abundance of other more palatable species, but cut tops when fed to penned sheep were readily consumed. In China and Malaysia vetiver has been successfully fed to grass carp. In eastern Indonesia, under very dry conditions, vetiver was eaten by cows and horses. Under good management young vetiver leaves have a nutritive value similar to napier grass with Crude Protein levels of about 7.0%. Under good conditions high volumes of green leaf are available. [no evidence of toxicity]

(1)http://www.vetiver.com/TVN_Mexico%20World%20.pdf [Accessed 01 May 2009]

4.06

(1)It is mostly pest and disease resistant.

(1)Moula, M. G. and M. S. Rahman. 2008. Tiller Effects of Vetiver Grass (Vetiveria zizanioides (L.) Nash). AU J.T. 11(3): 191-194,

4.07

(1)No evidence

(1)Parihar, S. S., B. Mal, V. Shankar, and A. Kak. 1998. Seed production and germination in vetiver grass (Vetiveria zizanioides). Tropical Grasslands 32(3): 173-177.

4.08

(1)Vetiver’s resistance and quick recovery from burning is primarily due to its protected crown and from its deep root system and associated nutrient storage that enables quick recovery. It is these same characteristics that allows fire to be used as a maintenance system for vetiver in drier areas where large amounts of dry leaf material accumulates in vetiver hedges, burning “clears” out the hedge and reduces the incidence of termite infestation. (2)Probably yes - "Vetiver grass is a “climax plant,” which survives conditions under which other plants cannot live. It will tolerate prolonged drought, fire, flood, submergence, and extreme temperatures from -15°C to 55°C (in Australia) and higher (in India and Africa). In some cases it may be the only plant to survive. Its ability to regrow quickly after being affected by drought and especially by fire, as well as by frost, salt, and other adverse soil conditions, and is unequalled by other plants." [A grass species, usually not grown solitary but in larger groups like hedges, can grow under hot dry conditions].

(1)http://www.vetiver.com/TVN_Mexico%20World%20.pdf [Accessed 01 May 2009] (2)http://www.vetiver.org/TVN_disaster%20mitigation%20brochure.pdf [Accessed 01 May 2009]

4.09

(1)Unless a shade tolerant cultivar (rare) is available vetiver should not be planted under shade, later it will withstand shade levels of up to 50%. It will also recover rapidly following the removal of shade. (2)Shade Tolerance: Intermediate [references for fertile form of this species are contradictory]

(1)http://www.vetiver.org/TVN_technicalspecs.htm [Accessed 08 May 2009] (2)www.gardenguides.com [Accessed 08 May 2009]

4.10

(1)Vetiver can grow on different types of soil (NRC 1993). It grows on both highly acidic (pH 4) and alkaline (pH 8) soil (Rahman, et al. 1996).

(1)Moula, M. G. and M. S. Rahman. 2008. Tiller Effects of Vetiver Grass (Vetiveria zizanioides (L.) Nash). AU J.T. 11(3): 191-194,

4.11

(1)It is a perennial grass common on river banks and marshy soils, and has rhizomatous, spongy and aromatic roots.

(1)Parihar, S. S., B. Mal, V. Shankar, and A. Kak. 1998. Seed production and germination in vetiver grass (Vetiveria zizanioides). Tropical Grasslands 32(3): 173-177.

4.12

(1)One conjectural ancestor of these cultivated essential-oil vetivers is the seedy vetiver from northern India and adjacent areas across the Ganges plain. This plant is not widely disseminated, but it has been introduced to southern India and a few other places. Morphologically, the two types are quite dissimilar; the northern India phenotype is lax, weak stemmed, and shallow rooted (and thus unsuitable for forming hedges) [growth form suggests grass will not impede movement or exclude other plants]

(1)Greenfield, J.C. 2002. Vetiver Grass. Infinity Publishing.com, Haverford, PA.

5.01

(1)Terrestrial

(1)Parihar, S. S., B. Mal, V. Shankar, and A. Kak. 1998. Seed production and germination in vetiver grass (Vetiveria zizanioides). Tropical Grasslands 32(3): 173-177.

5.02

(1)Poaceae

(1)Parihar, S. S., B. Mal, V. Shankar, and A. Kak. 1998. Seed production and germination in vetiver grass (Vetiveria zizanioides). Tropical Grasslands 32(3): 173-177.

5.03

(1)Poaceae

(1)Parihar, S. S., B. Mal, V. Shankar, and A. Kak. 1998. Seed production and germination in vetiver grass (Vetiveria zizanioides). Tropical Grasslands 32(3): 173-177.

5.04

(1)It is a perennial grass common on river banks and marshy soils, and has rhizomatous, spongy and aromatic roots.

(1)Parihar, S. S., B. Mal, V. Shankar, and A. Kak. 1998. Seed production and germination in vetiver grass (Vetiveria zizanioides). Tropical Grasslands 32(3): 173-177.

6.01

(1)No evidence

(1)Parihar, S. S., B. Mal, V. Shankar, and A. Kak. 1998. Seed production and germination in vetiver grass (Vetiveria zizanioides). Tropical Grasslands 32(3): 173-177.

6.02

(1)A domesticated type of this species in south India is non-seeding, but a wild type from north India flowers and produces viable seed. (2)Under certain conditions, vetiver produces fertile seeds that can germinate.

(1)Parihar, S. S., B. Mal, V. Shankar, and A. Kak. 1998. Seed production and germination in vetiver grass (Vetiveria zizanioides). Tropical Grasslands 32(3): 173-177. (2)Moula, M. G. and M. S. Rahman. 2008. Tiller Effects of Vetiver Grass (Vetiveria zizanioides (L.) Nash). AU J.T. 11(3): 191-194,

6.03

(1)hybridization does occurs in sexually producing cultivars of vetiver - "Abstract: Of the 11 hybrids of V. zizanioides (Linn.) Nash tested during 1976-1978, 'Pusa Hybrid 14' gave the highest yield of root and oil content on soils having average fertility and pH 7 to 8, but it degenerated quickly on saline-alkali soils. On the basis of stability analysis the highest root yield was recorded in 'Pusa Hybrid 26' (13.49 q/ha) and the highest mean oil percentage (average of 6 environments) in 'Pusa Hybrid 8' (1.727). All the hybrid selections were significantly superior to the local control (7.55 q/ha of roots; oil content 1.048%) and had greater adaptability to a wide range of soil pH." [able to form artificial hybrids, but unknown if species can form natural hybrids]

(1)Sethi, K. L., R. Gupta and R. B. Mehra. 1981. STABILITY ANALYSIS OF ROOT YIELD AND OIL CONTENT IN VETIVER VETIVERIA-ZIZANIODES. Indian Journal of Agricultural Sciences 51(5) : 299-301.

6.04

(1)The method of reproduction of vetiver was found to be self-incompatible and the difference of fertility between seedy and cultivated vetiver accession was significant, the fertility of the cultivated accessions estimated to be 1.11%.

(1)http://www.vetiver.com/ICV4pdfs/EB04.pdf [Accessed 12 May 2009]

6.05

(1)anemophilous [wind-pollinated]

(1)Zomlefer, W. B. 1994. Guide to the Flowering Plant Families. The University of North Carolina Press, Chapel Hill, NC.

6.06

(1)"Because C. zizanioides does not spread vegetatively and many cultigens have low or no seed production, contour hedges can be planted around cultivated fields or engineering structures without fear of invasion." (2)" Further the plant reproduces vegetatively through root/tiller division, and is not stoloniforous – thus its roots do not invade adjacent areas, as do grasses like, Bermuda, Kikuyu, and couch grass." (3)One conjectural ancestor of these cultivated essential-oil vetivers is the seedy vetiver from northern India and adjacent areas across the Ganges plain. This plant is not widely disseminated, but it has been introduced to southern India and a few other places. Morphologically, the two types are quite dissimilar; the northern India phenotype is lax, weak stemmed, and shallow rooted [Sunshine Vetiver is not know to spread vegetatively, but information is lacking for the northern, fertile form. In addition, the fact that the northern form is weak stemmed and shallow rooted suggests that this plant could be moved vegetatively by water or soil movement].

(1)http://herbarium.usu.edu/webmanual/info2.asp?name=Chrysopogon_zizanioides&type=treatment (2)http://www.vetiver.org/KUW_WORKSHOP_papers/KUW_3DG.pdf (3)Greenfield, J.C. 2002. Vetiver Grass. Infinity Publishing.com, Haverford, PA.

6.07

(1)A domesticated type of this species in south India is non-seeding, but a wild type from north India flowers and produces viable seed. (2)Under certain conditions, vetiver produces fertile seeds that can germinate. [time to reproductive maturity unknown]

(1)Parihar, S. S., B. Mal, V. Shankar, and A. Kak. 1998. Seed production and germination in vetiver grass (Vetiveria zizanioides). Tropical Grasslands 32(3): 173-177. (2)Moula, M. G. and M. S. Rahman. 2008. Tiller Effects of Vetiver Grass (Vetiveria zizanioides (L.) Nash). AU J.T. 11(3): 191-194,

7.01

(1)The two types of plants also seem to differ in flower structure, although there are not yet enough botanical vouchers to be sure. So far, the differences fall within specific limits of the taxonomy, so at the current time, the two are considered the same species (see Chapter 3). The northern India vetiver is fully fertile, as are other species of the genus...One thing is absolutely essential to remember: DO NOT PLANT VETIVER SEED! The non-fertile V. zizanioides, if it seeds, has never been known to produce viable seedlings; but the seeds of some other vetivers are fertile, which is why we who promote the Vetiver System do not recommend planting those species...Warning: The northern Indian type of vetiver, which flowers and seeds freely, can produce some seed that is viable and will germinate, usually only under a fairly narrow range of conditions, such as humid swamps, which normally are not found in agricultural areas (rainfed or irrigated). A program of propagation through seed, however, would result in selection for plants with a greater potential for escaping and becoming invasive, ultimately creating a new weed problem. The Vetiver Network requests that vetiver users take the responsibility not to begin propagating from seed; or, if they are already propagating from seed, to halt all seed-based propagation. It is important to be aware of the risk involved: just one incident of vetiver spreading from plants selected for their ability to sexually reproduce could cast suspicion on vetiver's use. We have a good technology; let us not lose it unintentionally. (2)Another concern is the promotion of fertile cultivars of Vetiver grass (Vetiveria zizanioides), from South and SE Asia, with 4-metre ‘roots of steel’, as described on one web site promoting its use. It may well be a good soil stabilizer, says Dr McFadyen, but that doesn’t mean we should plant it, especially not in its seeding forms. [both references suggest that the fertile form of vetiver could be spread inadvertently by seed]

(1)Greenfield, J.C. 2002. Vetiver Grass. Infinity Publishing.com, Haverford, PA. (2)http://www.weedscrc.org.au/documents/mr_investment.pdf [Accessed 12 May 2009]

7.02

(1) * forage * young-cattle * hedges * garden grasses * soil binding * weeds-aquatic * roots-flavors * pests-insects * basketry * matting * perfumes * thatch * paper * strawboard * ties * handicrafts * brushes * bedding * indigestion-folk * childbirth-folk * stones-folk * rheumatism-folk * neuralgia-folk * expectorants-folk * pleurisy-folk * vectors-folk * fever-folk * flu-folk * headaches-folk * swellings-folk * tonics-folk * soil binding * soil binding * brushes * paper * strawboard * brushes [the fertile form of Vetiver Grass is not widely spread, but could be accidentally distributed by people if they use seed for propagation. See 7.02]

(1)http://plantsforuse.com/index.php?page=1&id=2133 [Accessed 12 May 2009]

7.03

(1)Table 1. The detail of the weeds found in cotton fields of taluka Ubauro, District Sukkur, Pakistan [includes Vetiveria zizanioides (L.) Nash] (2)Reported as a weed or rice in south and southeast Asia [seeds could be inadvertently spread as cotton or rice contaminant]

(1)RAJPUT, M. T., S. S. TAHIR, B. AHMED AND M. A. ARAIN. 2008. CHECK LIST OF THE WEEDS FOUND IN COTTON CROPS, CULTIVATED IN TALUKA UBAURO, DISTRICT SUKKUR, PAKISTAN. Pak. J. Bot., 40(1): 65-70. (2)Moody, K. 1989. Weeds reported in rice in South and Southeast Asia. Int. Rice Res. Inst., Manila, Philippines.

7.04

(1FERTILE SPIKELETS Spikelets comprising 1 basal sterile florets; 1 fertile florets; without rhachilla extension. Spikelets linear; laterally compressed; compressed slightly; 3.5–5 mm long; falling entire; deciduous with accessory branch structures. Spikelet callus square; glabrous; base obtuse; inserted. GLUMES Glumes dissimilar; reaching apex of florets; firmer than fertile lemma. Lower glume lanceolate; 1 length of spikelet; coriaceous; without keels; 5 -veined. Lower glume surface spinose; rough generally, or on flanks. Upper glume lanceolate; chartaceous; 1-keeled. Upper glume primary vein spinulose. Upper glume muticous. FLORETS Basal sterile florets barren; without significant palea. Lemma of lower sterile floret oblong; 1 length of spikelet; hyaline; 2 -veined; ciliolate on margins. Fertile lemma oblong; 2–3 mm long; hyaline; without keel; 0 -veined. Lemma apex entire; muticous. Palea 0.3–0.5 length of lemma; hyaline; 0 -veined; without keels.FLOWER Anthers 3; 2–3 mm long. FRUIT Caryopsis with adherent pericarp. [structure of seeds does not suggest specific adaptations for wind dispersal, but short distance dispersal by wind/gravity may be possible]

(1)Clayton, W.D., Harman, K.T. and Williamson, H. (2006 onwards). GrassBase - The Online World Grass Flora. http://www.kew.org/data/grasses-db.html. [Accessed 13 May 2008]

7.05

(1)The generic name, Vetiveria, is derived from a Tamil word, ‘vettiver’ which refers to root that is dug up. The specific epithet, zizanioides, means by the riverside, reflecting the fact that the plant is commonly found along the waterways (2)Reported as a weed or rice in south and southeast Asia (3)Ecology : Low damp sites, swamps and bogs. Frequently planted for erosion control. (4)It is a perennial grass common on river banks and marshy soils, and has rhizomatous, spongy and aromatic roots. (5)even seeding northern India types are not reported invasive, although they are codominants in fluvial Ganges grasslands [riparian habitat and occurrence in rice paddies suggest the fertile form of this grass is dispersed by water]

(1)Moula, M. G. and M. S. Rahman. 2008. Tiller Effects of Vetiver Grass (Vetiveria zizanioides (L.) Nash). AU J.T. 11(3): 191-194, (2)Moody, K. 1989. Weeds reported in rice in South and Southeast Asia. Int. Rice Res. Inst., Manila, Philippines. (3)http://www.oswaldasia.org/species/c/chrzi/chrzi_en.html [Accessed 12 May 2009] (4)Parihar, S. S., B. Mal, V. Shankar, and A. Kak. 1998. Seed production and germination in vetiver grass (Vetiveria zizanioides). Tropical Grasslands 32(3): 173-177. (5)Greenfield, J.C. 2002. Vetiver Grass. Infinity Publishing.com, Haverford, PA.

7.06

(1FERTILE SPIKELETS Spikelets comprising 1 basal sterile florets; 1 fertile florets; without rhachilla extension. Spikelets linear; laterally compressed; compressed slightly; 3.5–5 mm long; falling entire; deciduous with accessory branch structures. Spikelet callus square; glabrous; base obtuse; inserted. GLUMES Glumes dissimilar; reaching apex of florets; firmer than fertile lemma. Lower glume lanceolate; 1 length of spikelet; coriaceous; without keels; 5 -veined. Lower glume surface spinose; rough generally, or on flanks. Upper glume lanceolate; chartaceous; 1-keeled. Upper glume primary vein spinulose. Upper glume muticous. FLORETS Basal sterile florets barren; without significant palea. Lemma of lower sterile floret oblong; 1 length of spikelet; hyaline; 2 -veined; ciliolate on margins. Fertile lemma oblong; 2–3 mm long; hyaline; without keel; 0 -veined. Lemma apex entire; muticous. Palea 0.3–0.5 length of lemma; hyaline; 0 -veined; without keels. FLOWER Anthers 3; 2–3 mm long. FRUIT Caryopsis with adherent pericarp. [no evidence of bird dispersal, and structure of seeds does not suggest specific adaptations for dispersal by birds]

(1)Clayton, W.D., Harman, K.T. and Williamson, H. (2006 onwards). GrassBase - The Online World Grass Flora. http://www.kew.org/data/grasses-db.html. [Accessed 13 May 2008]

7.07

(1)FERTILE SPIKELETS Spikelets comprising 1 basal sterile florets; 1 fertile florets; without rhachilla extension. Spikelets linear; laterally compressed; compressed slightly; 3.5–5 mm long; falling entire; deciduous with accessory branch structures. Spikelet callus square; glabrous; base obtuse; inserted. GLUMES Glumes dissimilar; reaching apex of florets; firmer than fertile lemma. Lower glume lanceolate; 1 length of spikelet; coriaceous; without keels; 5 -veined. Lower glume surface spinose; rough generally, or on flanks. Upper glume lanceolate; chartaceous; 1-keeled. Upper glume primary vein spinulose. Upper glume muticous. FLORETS Basal sterile florets barren; without significant palea. Lemma of lower sterile floret oblong; 1 length of spikelet; hyaline; 2 -veined; ciliolate on margins. Fertile lemma oblong; 2–3 mm long; hyaline; without keel; 0 -veined. Lemma apex entire; muticous. Palea 0.3–0.5 length of lemma; hyaline; 0 -veined; without keels.FLOWER Anthers 3; 2–3 mm long. FRUIT Caryopsis with adherent pericarp. [no obvious means of external attachment]

(1)Clayton, W.D., Harman, K.T. and Williamson, H. (2006 onwards). GrassBase - The Online World Grass Flora. http://www.kew.org/data/grasses-db.html. [Accessed 13 May 2008]

7.08

(1)Where there are other more palatable grasses vetiver grass is normally ignored by livestock, this an important feature if the grass hedge is to remain intact for many years. There has been very little research carried out on the management and feed value of vetiver as a fodder. It has been observed on many occasions, under farm conditions, that if the hedge is managed correctly, regular harvesting of young leaves is possible, and that these young leaves provide a maintenance ration. In Malaysia sheep will not eat vetiver in the field when there is an abundance of other more palatable species, but cut tops when fed to penned sheep were readily consumed. In China and Malaysia vetiver has been successfully fed to grass carp. In eastern Indonesia, under very dry conditions, vetiver was eaten by cows and horses. Under good management young vetiver leaves have a nutritive value similar to napier grass with Crude Protein levels of about 7.0%. Under good conditions high volumes of green leaf are available. In Texas [35] under irrigated conditions, production of dry matter at more than 100 tons per ha. per annum, equivalent to about 350 tons of fresh leaf, has been achieved. Reports [40] from China indicated mulch production from vetiver of 11.4, 14.7, and 17.8 tons of green weight per 100 sq. meters of hedge row over three consecutive years. Note 100 sq. meters in this case was equivalent to 230 linear meters of hedge. There is little doubt that with some improved management vetiver would make an adequate dry season fodder, particularly if combined with a high protein forage. Farmers at Gundalpet, India, have been using vetiver for centuries as a field boundary, and for fodder, where during the peak growing season it is cut once every three weeks. Reports for its use as a fodder come from many other countries including China, Guatemala, Honduras, Niger, and Mali. Some accessions are known to be more palatable - i.e. the so called “farmer” cultivar from Karnataka, which had been selected by farmers over decades as a softer and more palatable cultivar. [unknown if viable seeds pass through animals after ingestion]

(1)http://www.vetiver.com/TVN_Mexico%20World%20.pdf [Accessed 01 May 2009]

8.01

(1)A domesticated type of this species in south India is non-seeding, but a wild type from north India flowers and produces viable seed. (2)Under certain conditions, vetiver produces fertile seeds that can germinate. [no evidence that 1000s of seeds are produced]

(1)Parihar, S. S., B. Mal, V. Shankar, and A. Kak. 1998. Seed production and germination in vetiver grass (Vetiveria zizanioides). Tropical Grasslands 32(3): 173-177. (2)Moula, M. G. and M. S. Rahman. 2008. Tiller Effects of Vetiver Grass (Vetiveria zizanioides (L.) Nash). AU J.T. 11(3): 191-194,

8.02

(1)A decline In germination was observed after 9 months in storage, although >25% of spikelets still germinated after 20 months under ordinary storage conditions. [field evidence lacking]

(1)Parihar, S. S., B. Mal, V. Shankar, and A. Kak. 1998. Seed production and germination in vetiver grass (Vetiveria zizanioides). Tropical Grasslands 32(3): 173-177.

8.03

(1)In India it can be controlled with dalapon at 1117 kg/ha, or bromacil at 17-33 kg/ha (Ray, Agarawala & Fridrickson, 1975). (2)Also, although the plant is resistant to most herbicides, it succumbs to those based on glyphosate

(1)http://www.fao.org/ag/AGP/AGPC/doc/GBASE/data/PF000340.HTM [Accessed 12 May 2009] (2)http://www.plant-materials.nrcs.usda.gov/pubs/gapmcpu4579.pdf [Accessed 12 May 2009]

8.04

(1)Vetiver is both xerophyte and hydrophyte and once established, it can withstand drought, flood, windstorm, grazing animals, long period of water logging and other forces of nature except freezing. (2)Vetiver is well known for its resistance against fire. This resistance has resulted in its survival in sugar cane fields that are burnt prior to harvesting.

(1)Moula, M. G. and M. S. Rahman. 2008. Tiller Effects of Vetiver Grass (Vetiveria zizanioides (L.) Nash). AU J.T. 11(3): 191-194. (2)http://www.vetiver.com/TVN_Mexico%20World%20.pdf [Accessed 01 May 2009]

8.05

Unknown