Documentation of Weed species from Sakti District, Chhattisgarh, India

Abstract

The present study investigates the diversity and distribution of weed flora in the agricultural and
nonagricultural landscapes of Sakti district, Chhattisgarh, India. Systematic field surveys were
conducted across various locations representing both irrigated lowland and rainfed upland farming
systems during 2023–2024. Quadrat sampling and monthly observations were employed to document
seasonal variations and species composition. A total of 72 weed species belonging to multiple families
were recorded, indicating rich floristic diversity in the study area. Dominant families included
Asteraceae, Poaceae, Fabaceae, Amaranthaceae, and Cyperaceae, reflecting their high adaptability,
reproductive efficiency, and ecological amplitude. The study highlights that weeds exhibit significant
variation in distribution due to differences in soil moisture, cropping patterns, and anthropogenic
disturbances. Several invasive and noxious species such as Parthenium hysterophorus, Chromolaena
odorata, Lantana camara, Cyperus rotundus, and Cynodon dactylon were found to be widely distributed,
posing serious threats to crop productivity and native biodiversity. In addition to their negative impacts,
many weed species were found to possess medicinal properties, indicating their potential ethnobotanical
importance. The findings emphasize that understanding weed diversity is crucial for developing effective
and sustainable weed management strategies. Proper identification, monitoring, and ecological
assessment of weeds can help minimize crop losses and enhance agricultural productivity while
conserving biodiversity. This study provides baseline data for future ecological and agronomic research
in the region.