Floristic composition, phytosociology and weed diversity in chives (Allium schoenoprasum L.)

Abstract

Assessment of floristic composition, phytosociology and diversity of weed communities are crucial for weed control in chives. A survey was conducted on two selected chives cropping fields in the state of Maranhão, northeastern Brazil to identify the weed flora and the most important weed species associated with chives. The weed survey was carried out by the quadrat method with 30 weed samples taken from each chives field. Phytosociological parameters assessed were absolute and relative densities, frequencies and abundances and the importance value of each species. Weed diversity was assessed by the Shannon Diversity Index (H’). We recorded a total of 3,689 individuals from 36 species and 16 families. The two families with the highest species richness were Poaceae (n = 7) and Cyperaceae (n = 5). The greater number of species (30) was recorded in the chives grown in Catucá. The most important species based on the importance value were Hediotys corimbosa, Schoenoplectus juncoides and Ludwigia octovalvis, in Areal and Eleusine indica, Trianthema portulacastrum and Cyperus iria in Catucá. Floristic diversity was higher in Areal (H’ = 5.21 nats. ind-1). These results could lead to improved weed management strategies in chives croppping in the state of Maranhão, northeastern Brazil.