Density and Frequency of Weeds in Corn Fields in Şanlıurfa Province and Suggestions for Management Problems

Abstract

Şanlıurfa province is an important place for national and regional corn production. This study was carried out in Şanlıurfa to determine weed problems by determining the frequency and density of the weeds that restrict the corn production. For this purpose, 61 corn fields were surveyed in 2015. The most widespread and dense species in the fields were Portulaca oleracea L. (common purslane), Echinochloa crus-galli (L.) P.B. (common barnyardgrass), Solanum nigrum L. (black nightshade), Xanthium strumarium L. (common cocklebur), Sorghum halepense (L.) Pers. (johnsongrass), Physalis philadelphica Lam. (wild tomatillo), Echinochloa colonum (L.) Link (awnles barnyardgrass) and Digitaria sanguinalis (L.) Scop. (large crabgrass). In addition, Cucumis melo subsp. agrestis (wild melon) has been identified the first time in the corn fields of Şanlıurfa. As a result, it is recommended that the weed population in corn fields should be kept under control continuously, herbicides should be used alternately according to their mode of action, and alternatives to herbicides should be investigated.