Invasive plants in orchards in Sao Francisco Valley.
Kiill L. H. P., Lima P. C. F., Lima J. L. S. de
Author Affiliation: Bióloga, Dr., Pesq. da Embrapa Semi-Árido, C.P. 23, 56302-970, Petrolina-PE, Brazil.
Documentos da Embrapa Semi-Árido : 29 pp.
Abstract : Weed species were studied in grape, mango, coconut, banana and guava plantations in Petrolina and Lagoa Grande, Pernambuco, Brazil, during July 1998-May 1999. Weeds were surveyed in 30 m2 plots within orchards. A total of 201 weed species, belonging to 45 botanical families, was identified from 74 plots, with a further 26 species being unidentified. The families with the greatest number of species were Poaceae, Amaranthaceae, Asteraceae, Euphorbiaceae, Leguminosae and Malvaceae, with Poaceae being present in all areas of grapes, coconut, banana and mango cultivation. The weed species with the greatest frequency were Cenchrus echinatus, Digitaria horizontalis, Amaranthus deflexus and Herissanthia crispa, which occurred in the majority of samples, independent of crop. It is concluded that frequent, regular cultural management is necessary for weed control, based on phenology of weeds and methods of propagation.