Farmers’ Perception and the State of Weeds in Agricultural Fields of Pakistan: A Comprehensive Study of Prevalence and Density
Farmers’ Perception and the State of Weeds in Agricultural Fields of Pakistan: A Comprehensive Study of Prevalence and Density
Fatima Kanwal
ABSTRACT
This study was conducted in the region of Ghizer, Gilgit Baltistan, and the Malir region of Karachi in Pakistan. The aim was to determine the prevalence and density of growing unwanted weeds in the seasonal crops of regions. For this purpose, 50 quadrats of 1m by 1m were randomly plotted and analyzed. Polygonaceae, Poaceae, and Chenopodiaceae were the most common families observed. A total of 14 different weed species belonging to 10 distinct families were identified. Goose grass (Elusine indica), Lambsquarters (Chenopodium album), and Black nightshade (Solanum nigram) accounted for 87% of the weeds and had densities of 1.82%, 1.82%, and 1.71%, respectively. Species of Amaranthus viridis were found to be 37% prevalent, with the highest density of 10.40%. and was only determined in the Karachi region while Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) was found to be less common with a 0.07% density and a 60% prevalence. The highest diversity of weeds was found in the crops of tomato, maize, and alfalfa. Another aim of the study was to have the insights of farmers about the causes and effects of weed growth. The study also revealed the farmers’ opinion that climatic conditions had not much impact on the growth of these weeds.
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