Diversity and phytosociological analysis of weeds in a Musaceae crops from the ecuatorian tropics

Abstract

One of the first steps for the development of new control tactics and integrated weed management, is to know the composition and diversity of the weed flora affecting the crop. Knowledge of the dominant weed species is the basis forplanning suitable control strategies and determine the management of the crop. This work analyzes the diversity of weeds and identifiesthose species predominant within the ecosystem of Quevedo (Ecuador). Results showed 55 weed species belonging to 22 families, with the Compositae, Poaceae and Euphorbiaceae families having the higher number of species in the monitored area. The ecosystem presented slightly high diversity, high dominance, and medium specific richness. The functional analysis revealed 43 dicotyledonous species and 12 monocotyledonous species. Among the dominant weed species, we found the “piñita” (Murdannia nudiflora (L.) Brenan) that presented medium agresiveness, followed by the “caminadora” (Rottboellia exaltata L. f.) with high agresiveness and “tridax” (Tridax procumbens L.) with slight to medium level of agresiveness.  No species had an importance value greater than 28.2 % in the monitored area.