Anatomical characteristics of the anatomical leaves of five Poaceae weeds in horticulture: Axonopus compressus (Sw.) P. Beauv., Digitaria ciliaris (Retz.) Koeler, Digitaria sanguinalis (L.) Scop., Eleusine indica (L.) Gaertn.,

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Weeds are a group of plants which are undesirable because they can reduce the growth and productivity of horticultural crops. Weeds belonging to the Poaceae Family, such as Axonopus compressus (Sw.) P.Beauv., Digitaria ciliaris (Retz.) Koeler, D. sanguinalis (L.) Scop., Eleusine indica (L.) Gaertn, and Setaria plicata (Lam.) T.Cooke, have been reported to disrupt various horticultural cultivated fields. Leaf anatomy is a crucial aspect that requires study because it is closely related to adaptation, taxonomy, evolution, and the ability of a plant species to interact with horticultural crops. This study examined the anatomical characteristics of the leaves of these five weed species. Exploration methods were used to obtain leaf samples. Cross-section preparations were made using a semi-permanent method with free-hand sectioning techniques. The parameters studied were the leaf anatomy of the five weed species. The results showed that the leaf anatomy of the five species consists of epidermal tissue, mesophyll, xylem, phloem, bundle sheath cells, and sclerenchyma. All five species belong to the C₄ group with Kranz leaf anatomy. Bulliform cells and stomata, as derivative epidermis, are found in all five weed species. Non-glandular trichomes were found in D. sanguinalis and S. plicata. The anatomical structure of the five weed species shows adaptations for efficient carbon use in dry environments. These findings support an integrated weed management approach by identifying key anatomical characteristics that can inform the development of weed control strategies in horticultural agricultural fields, such as efforts to enhance herbicide penetration efficiency.