Weed Flora of Cherry, Walnut, Apple, Almond and Pear Orchards in Northwestern Marmara Region of Turkey

Abstract

A study covering cherry, walnut, apple, almond and pear orchards in Edirne, Kırklareli and Tekirdağ provinces was carried out in 2015-2018 with the aim of determination of weed flora, weed frequencies and densities. Total of 64 species belonging to 30 families were identified in fruit tree orchards. Among all the families the most members were in Asteraceae 13 species, Poaceae, 11 species, Brassicaceae 5 species and Lamiaceae 3 species families. The dominant weed species were Amaranthus retroflexus L., Polygonum aviculare L., Capsella-bursa pastoris L. (Medik)., Concolvulus arvensis L., Lepidium draba L., Raphanus raphanistrum L., Chenopodium album L., Cichorium intybus L. in Tekirdağ while Datura stramonium L. distribution in Edirne Uzunköprü and Kırklareli was remarkably high. Semi parazitic weed Viscum album and full parasite Cuscuta campestris Yunck were also detected in some orchards. V. album was widespread among pear trees while Cuscuta campestris Yunck was detected only in suckers emerged in apple and cherry orchards. According to density A. retroflexus has received the first order with 76 plant/m2, following C. album with 54 plant/m2, Lactuca serriola with 27 plant/m2, D. stramonium L. with 24 plant/m2, Portulaca oleracea with 21 plant/m2