Weed flora distribution in Greek cotton fields and its possible influence by herbicides

Abstract

A weed survey methodology was used for 2 years in three provinces in Greece to determine the abundance and spatial distribution of weeds in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) fields. Based on a stratified random sampling procedure, the most frequently occurring weeds were counted in 150 cotton fields. The field surveys were conducted late in the growing season; hence, the weed populations consisted of species that had been present during the critical competitive period for the crop and may have contributed to yield losses.Solanum nigrum was the most abundant weed in the surveyed fields of the southern province, followed byCyperus rotundus, Convolvulus arvensis, Xanthium strumarium, Chrozophora tinctoria andCynodon dactylon, in descending order. The ranked weed flora in the fields of the northern province was differentiated, suggesting the geographical distribution of weed species. The weedsDatura stramonium andS. nigrum were recorded in high abundance and followed byAmaranthus spp.,Abutilon theophrasti, Portulaca oleracea, Chenopodium album andXanthium spinosum, in descending order. Although the use of preplant incorporated herbicides is the dominant practice in cotton cultivation, certain weeds continue to spread in increasing densities.