Ecological Assessment of Weed Species in Two Secondary Forests in Anambra State Nigeria

Abstract

An ecological study was done on weed species in two secondary forests present in Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka Campus and Federal College of Education Umunze, Anambra State, Nigeria. Data was collected from the two study sites which were randomly divided for adequate coverage and proper representation. Species dominance, abundance and diversity of weed species were recorded. The result of the study showed that a total of 21 weed species were recorded in Plot 1 study area which is at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka campus; Pennisetum purpureum had the highest species abundance in the study site, with a total frequency of 93 and Dominance index of 28.97. Pennisetum purpureum had a relative density of while Tridax procumbens was the second most abundant with a frequency of 40 and Dominance of 7.10. Rhynchospora corymbosa showed the least abundance with a frequency of 6. The result of Shannon Wiener index for weed species in Plot 1 study was 2.56 and this showed that there is high diversity of weed species in the study area. Meanwhile, the result of the study in Plot 2, which is at Federal College of Education, Umunze showed that a total of 18 weed species were recorded; Imperata cylindrica had the highest species abundance in the study site, with a total frequency of 87 and Dominance index of 27.43, while Cypertrus rotundus was the second most abundant with a frequency of 67 and Dominance index of 10.5. Acanthus Montana showed the least in abundance with a frequency of 6 and Dominance index of 1.02. The result of Shannon Wiener index for weed species in Plot 2 study was 2.47 and this also showed that there is high diversity of weed species in the study area. This result invariably indicates a great potential for utilization in conservation and ecological purposes.