Weed flora of banana in south eastern Senegal: Characterization of the flora and the level of infestation

Abstract

In Senegal, bananas are mainly produced in the Southeastern areas. The production is low compared to the needs of the population because of several factors. This study aims to contribute to the knowledge of the floristic composition and diversity of weeds of banana in southern part of Senegal. In these assessed orchards, 76 weed species belonging to 56 genera and 18 families were recorded. Dicotyledons were the most important form representing 68 % of recorded species. Fabaceae, Poaceae and Malvaceae were the most represented botanical families with respectively 24.1 and 15.9% of flora. Spectrum analysis indicated that the flora is largely dominated annual, which includes 86% of the flora. The evaluation of the ecological value of species (IVI index) revealed that Commelina benghalensis, Cyperus rotundus, Euphorbia heterophylla are the most noxious species in banana plantations. In addition to their direct harmfulness, these three species, along with Croton hirtus, are recognized as alternative hosts for many pathogens, in particular the cucumber mosaic virus (CMV), the PVMY virus and the PVMV virus. However, the majority of species have a low frequency and coverage even if some of them, such as Croton hirtus, should be monitored in order to limit their expansion. In fact, they are invasive in some areas and/or crops and are resistant to most herbicides. Knowing these target species is essential before elaboration of any integrated weed management strategies for increasing banana yield under sudanian conditions of Southern-Eastern Senegal.

Keywords : Banana plantation, Weeds, Noxious, IVI index, South-Eastern Senegal