Seed size and days required to reach specific growth stages were determined for Echinochloa crus-galli (L.) P. Beauv. varieties which are major grass species found in Korean paddy field and the results were compared with E. frumentacea (Roxb.) Link. In addition, responses of the Echinochloa species on preemergence herbicides (molinate, esprocarb, and mefenacet) were investigated with respect to time of application. One thousand seed weight of E. crus-galli var. oryzicola was about 3 times heavier than that of var. praticola, but was not significantly different that of E. frumentacea. Days requited to reach the 2.5 leaf-stage (LS) were 11, 13, and 14 days after seeding for E. frumentacea, E. crus-galli var. oryzicola, and E. crus-galli var. praticola, respectively. E. crus-galli var. praticola was more sensitive to molinate, esprocarb and mefenacet than var. oryzicola and the sensitivity of both the varieties decreased as the time of application LS was delayed. However, there was no great difference in the response for E. frumentacea when applied between 1.5 and 3.0 LS. In thiocarbamate hebicides esprocarb was more active to Echinochloa species than molinate and the higher the active ingredient of the herbicides, the greater was the activity to Echinochloa species. Differential susceptibility of Echinochloa species to the herbicides was not related to the seed size, but to the early growth stages at the time of herbicide application which were affected by the seed size.