Caucalido platycarpi-Vicietum michauxii — a new weed association from crop fields of Kyrgyzstan (Middle Asia)

Abstract

Abstract The study presents the results of geobotanical investigations conducted in crop fields in the western Tian Shan Mts in Kyrgyzstan (Middle Asia). The main research focused on classification of weed communities developing within this poorly investigated area, were conducted in the vicinity of Bishkek and Kara-Balta in 2010. Altogether, 299 phytosociological relevés were sampled using the Braun-Blanquet method. Based on all segetal vegetation patches, the analyses distinguished a new association: Caucalido platycarpi-Vicietum michauxii. The results of these phytosociological studies fill a gap in the knowledge about the syntaxonomical diversity of the Middle Asia region, which is one of the most crucial for segetal weed species. The study shows that anthropogenic agrocoenoses could harbour relatively rich flora. Extensively cultivated fields could especially serve as a suitable habitat for many xerothermophilous and heliophilous plants. More than 75 species in vegetation plots, mainly permament weeds, have been found. There is also a considerable share of species coming over from swards, screes and meadows.