Survey and Identification of Common Weeds Associated with Rice and Vegetable Production in Rosario, La Union, Philippines

Abstract

A preliminary survey, collection and identification of weeds in rice and vegetable production areas in Rosario, La Union, Philippines were done to identify most common and prevalent weeds associated with rice and vegetable. Fields surveys were done according to the quantitative survey method using 1.0m x 1.0m size quadrat with 20 samples from each field. Weeds present in each field were identified and the data were used to calculate frequency and relative dominance values for each species. A total of 45 species of weeds were collected and identified. Dominant weeds in vegetable and rice production during wet season were Digitaria sp., F. littoralis, A. conyzoides, C. pubescens and D. aegyptum. However, dominant weeds in rice production area were: Digitaria sp. and Dactyloctenium aegyptium; while Chloris sp. and Fimbristylis littoralis Gaudich, Centrosema pubescens Benth and Cyperus killingia and Cyperus rotundus L. and Dactyloctenium aegyptium at vegetable area. Based on the survey annuals were more dominant than perennial. More survey work is needed on a regular basis to identify possible problematic weed and weed population shifts and direct research toward new or improved control measures.