GAZETTE FUTURE, Vol. 8 No. 3, 2025.
Review article
https://doi.org/10.32779/gf.8.3.5
Biology and Ecology of the Common Cocklebur (Xanthium strumarium L.)
Valentina Šoštarčić
; Sveučilište u Zagrebu, Agronomski fakultet, Republika Hrvatska
*
Maja Šćepanović
; Sveučilište u Zagrebu, Agronomski fakultet, Republika Hrvatska
* Corresponding author.
Abstract
Xanthium strumarium L. (common cocklebur) is an annual plant from the Asteraceae family, widely distributed around the world. Although its exact origin is not known, it is believed to have originated from North America or the Mediterranean. Today, it is present in Europe, Asia, Africa, and America, and due to its adaptability, it has become a significant agricultural weed. Common cocklebur grows in abandoned fields, along railways, and roadsides, but it causes the most damage in agriculture. It invades crops such as corn, soybeans, cotton, sunflowers, and others, reducing yields by up to 80%. It is also problematic in livestock farming because its fruits decrease the value of sheep wool, and its seeds contain carboxyatractyloside, which can be lethal to livestock. Furthermore, it can cause allergic reactions in humans and has an allelopathic effect on other plants. Morphologically, X. strumarium has a branched stem that grows to a height of 0.2 – 1.5 m, fleshy seedlings, and triangular-ovate leaves. The flowers are small and inconspicuous, while the fruit is achene covered in spines, which facilitates
attachment to animals and clothing. Inside the fruit, there are two seeds – one germinates immediately, while the other remains dormant, contributing to the species' long-term survival in the soil. The plant reproduces exclusively through seeds, spreading via water, animals, and humans. Its germination and growth depend on the soil and air temperature, with the optimal temperature for germination ranging from 20 to 24°C. Due to its invasiveness and harmful effects, the common cocklebur poses a serious problem in agricultural production.
Keywords
carboxyatractyloside, common cocklebur, rough cocklebur, weed.
Hrčak ID:
350234
URI
Publication date:
28.12.2025.
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