Weeds in Pomegranate Orchards in Gaziantep Province, Turkey

Abstract

This study was carried out in order to determine the weed species in pomegranate This study was carried out in order to determine the weed species in pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) orchards in the province of Gaziantep, Turkey. The samples were taken from the pomegranate cultivation areas in six districts of Gaziantep province (Nizip, Oğuzeli, Islahiye, Karkamış, Şahinbey, and Nurdağı) at two different times in 2012, considering the vegetation periods of the plants. Density, biomass and frequency of occurrence of the weeds were determined. At the end of the study were found out 35 weed species from 22 different families. It was found that 34 and 31 weed species were found in the first and second sampling periods in Gaziantep province respectively. In the first sampling period the average number of weeds were 31 per square meter with a biomass of 8.6 grams on average whereas it were 33 per square meter with a biomass of 11.6 grams on average in the second sampling period. The districts with the highest weed density were Nizip (33.6 weeds m-2) in the first, and Oğuzeli (38.9 weeds m-2) in the second sampling period. The most remarkable weeds, in terms of average density and occurrence per square meter, are as follows in order pigweeds (Amaranthus spp.), common purslane (Portulaca oleracea L.), Johnson grass (Sorghum halapense (L.) Pers.), green foxtail (Setaria viridis (L.) P. Beauv.), field bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis L.), common cocklebur (Xanthium strumarium L.), lamb’s quarters (Chenopodium album L.), wild carrot (Daucus carota L.) and common morning glory (Ipomoea purpurea L. Roth.). As a result, the density of the weeds in pomegranate orchards is high in the region and the necessary actions should be taken for controlling with these weed species. © 2016, Centenary University. All rights reserved.