On the Ecology of Weeds in the Orchards habitat During Summer Season in Nile Delta, Egypt

Abstract

The present study aims to investigate the ecology of weed communities associated with some orchards habitat using the variations in environmental factors to determine the distribution and abundance of the recognized weed communities in the study areas. The sampled stands were distributed in four Governorates. Field visits were started from January 2014 to September 2015, 45 stands were selected for sampling the vegetation types during summer season. The application of TWINSPAN classification based on the importance values of 49 plant species recorded in selected 45 sampled stands representing the summer orchards sites in the study areas led to the recognition of four vegetation groups (Euphorbia heterophylla, Commelina benghalensis, Cynanchum acutum and Xanthium strumarium were the dominate plants). In summer season, the application of DCA technique proved that, the plant communities recognized by TWINSPAN classification were markedly distinguishable and having clear pattern of segregation on the ordination plane. The application of CCA technique was used to determine the most effective soil variables controlling the abundance and distribution of weed communities associated during summer season.