PHYTOSOCIOLOGICAL ATTRIBUTES OF WEED SPECIES IN MAIZE CROP FIELDS OF WEST GODAVARI DISTRICT, ANDHRA PRADESH, INDIA
The present paper focuses on the Phytosociological attributes of Weed Species in Maize crop fields of West Godavari District via survey conducted during 2010-14. A total no. of 230 weed species was recorded in all 75 quadrates. Mollugo nudicaulis Lam. (4.4) is the most abundant species followed by Cleome aspera Koen. ex DC. (4.2) Scoparia dulcis L., Smilax zeylanica L. Arundo donax L. (4.0) Cleome viscosa L. and Zaleya decandra (L.) Burm.f. (3.8) each Hedyotis herbacea L. and Coldenia procumbens L, Hedyotis corymbosa (L.) (3.7) each Parthenium hysterophorus L. (3.41) is highest density species followed by Cyperus rotundus L (2.85), Cleome viscosa L. (2.81) Hedyotis corymbosa (L.) (2.08) Ocimum basilicum L. (2.04) Cynodon dactylon (1.75) Celosia argentea L. (1.63) Zaleya decandra (L.) Burm.f (1.61), Catharanthus pusillus (Murr.) (1.55). Parthenium hysterophorus L. (98.67%) is the highest frequency value followed by Cyperus rotundus L (86.67%), Goniogyna hirta (Willd.) (81.33%), Cleome viscosa L and Cynodon dactylon (74.67%) each Lagascea mollis Cav. (73.33%), Heliotropium indicum L. (72%), Crotalaria verrucosa L. (69.33%), Acalypha indica Linn and Phyllanthus amarus Schum. (65.33%) each. The frequency classes of weed species encountered in maize crop field revealed interesting results. Out of 230 species: A class is represented by 90 species followed by 87 under B, 40 under C , 10 under D, 3 species under E. The results obtained it is clearly established that most of the weed species encountered in this crop fields fall under A, B,C ,D and E frequency classes and hence the weed vegetation is relatively heterogeneous.