What is considered the most troublesome weed for grain sorghum?

Shattercane is considered the most troublesome weed for grain sorghum primarily because of its similar growth habits and competitive nature. It can easily blend in with grain sorghum, making it difficult to control. Shattercane tends to germinate at the same time as grain sorghum, allowing it to compete for light, water, and nutrients, which can significantly reduce yield. Additionally, shattercane is known to produce a large number of seeds, and its ability to spread rapidly can lead to infestations that are hard to eradicate once established.

In contrast, while other listed weeds like hemp dogbane, cocklebur, and field bindweed can also pose challenges in agricultural settings, they are not as directly competitive with grain sorghum specifically. Hemp dogbane, for instance, is more problematic in fields with certain crops but doesn't exhibit the same level of threat to grain sorghum as shattercane does. Understanding the specific impacts of these weeds is critical for effective pest management and achieving optimal crop yields.