The occurrence of weeds in jute fields, from the time of land preparation to harvest of the crop for fibre or seed under various agroclimatic and edaphic conditions has been studied. The habitat and preponderance of the major weeds is summarised. The growth pattern of selected major weeds in relation to jute grown for fibre or seed and their behaviour in jute fields was also examined. The predominant weeds observed were annual grasses and sedges, including nutsedge. Broadleaved weeds occurred in smaller numbers and were not a serious problem. The weed seeds germinate along with the jute, compete with the crop and mature before the crop is harvested. The graminaceous and cyperaceous weeds exhibit the greatest frequency, dry matter accumulation and production of seeds by individual plants although great variation exists between different weed species and among the same species.