Weed surveys conducted by Charles (1989), Roberts (1996 unpublished) and Taylor (2002 unpublished) indicate that the majority of weeds affecting cotton production in Australian farming systems are annual and ephemeral species. These species include bladder ketmia, peach vine, caltrop, yellow vine, annual ground cherry and phasey bean. A review of the literature concerning these species reveals that the biology and ecology of the majority of these species is either poorly understood or has not been investigated. The survival strategy for the majority of weed species found in cotton farming systems revolves around their ability to produce large quantities of seed with varying seed dormancy and germination characteristics that enable them to exploit the cotton agro-ecosystem.

To devise better management strategies for these troublesome weeds it is essential for weed scientists to be able to study the biology and ecology of these weeds, in particular, how environmental factors interact with natural genetic variability to influence seed germination and dormancy. A better understanding of how these environmental factors impact seed germination and dormancy will enable growers to introduce more timely control measures.