Question

A weed of both cropped and non cropped lands

• A. Urena lobata
• B. Urtica dioica
• C. Ageratum sp
• D. Solanum xanthocarpum

Hint:

Think of a weed you see just as often in maize or sugarcane fields as along roadsides and wastelands.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
Weeds are grouped by where they usually grow: some stick to cultivated fields, some stick to wastelands and roadsides, and a few thrive equally well in both settings. The question asks for a weed from this last group.

Step 2: Key Formula or Approach:
To answer this we need to recall the typical habitat of each named species from the standard weed classification used in Indian agronomy texts.

Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
\(Ageratum\) species (goat weed) are found growing thickly in crop fields such as maize, sugarcane and plantation crops, and at the same time spread freely over wastelands, roadsides and fallow patches, so it is classed as a weed of both cropped and non cropped lands.
\(Urena\ lobata\) is mostly seen along field bunds, forest edges and wastelands rather than as a major weed inside crop fields. \(Urtica\ dioica\) (stinging nettle) is chiefly a weed of hill wastelands and grazing areas. \(Solanum\ xanthocarpum\) (kantakari) is mainly a weed of wastelands, grazing land and roadsides, and is not typically listed as a common weed of cultivated crop fields.

Step 4: Final Answer:
\(Ageratum\) sp is the correct answer since it is recognised as a weed common to both cultivated fields and uncultivated land.