Abstract

WEED FLORA OF KARNATAKA – CURRENT STATUS AND FUTURE PROSPECTS

Kavitha Sagar*

Abstract

The present report is focused mainly through a taxonomic perspective on some of the issues with regard to weeds of all agricultural fields, forests, rangelands, and natural ecosystems of Karnataka which is a key tool in managing weeds. Major invasive alien aggressive weeds in particular and weeds in general of Karnataka with their updated nomenclature, synonyms, common names, vernacular names (wherever available), brief description, their first reports, biology, reproduction, seed dispersal and longevity, distribution (Karnataka, India and World), phenology, uses, current impact and their management aspects are also discussed. In total, 390 weeds were collected, identified and preserved as voucher specimens and documented following routine herbarium procedures. Of the 70 families, Asteraceae is the dominant family with 41 weed species, followed by Poaceae (30), Fabaceae (28), Convolvulaceae (19), Malvaceae (19), Amaranthaceae (14), Acanthaceae (13), Euphorbiaceae (12), Cyperaceae (10), Solanaceae (10), Apocynaceae (9), Asclepiadaceae (8), Phyllanthaceae (8), Commelinaceae (7), Lamiaceae (7), Rubiaceae (7) and Boraginaceae (6). Other families with one or two species are also documented.

Keywords: Invasive, weeds, prospects, Karnataka.