Weeds Associated with Banana Crops in Magdalena Department, Colombia

ABSTRACT: This study was conducted to determine the richness and composition of weed communities associated with banana plantations in Magdalena department, Colombia. Between September 2016 and May 2017, a total of 164 hectares were assessed over four agroecological zones (Alta, Media, Baja and Norte); in each zone, three representative farms were selected where, through zigzag paths, botanical collections were made in cultivated lots. Information on life cycle, growth habit and origin of each species was included. The floristic composition was represented by 204 species distributed among 143 genera and 54 families. Poaceae, with 31 species, was the family with the highest species richness, followed by Fabaceae (12) and Asteraceae (11). From the total species recorded, 113 are perennial (55%) and 91 are annual (45%); 141 species are herbaceous (68%), 38 are climbers (20%), and 25 are arboreal or shrubby (12%). Native species predominate over introduced species. The species richness does not differ significantly between the sampling zones, but the weed community composition does. The presence of common species reported as important weeds worldwide was recorded in the four zones. However, some species were recorded in only one of the zones, generating a differential composition pattern. Comparison with local inventories showed changes in the composition of the weed complex over time. The presence of various species not previously considered weeds in the banana crops of this region is highlighted.