Weeds in organic production of pepper (Capsicum annuum L.): Bioindicators of habitat conditions

• Published in: Journal on Processing and Energy in Agriculture Vol. 19; no. 5; pp. 266 - 272
• Main Authors: Ljevnaić-Mašić Branka, Nikolić Ljiljana, Džigurski Dejana
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: National Society of Processing and Energy in Agriculture, Novi Sad 01.01.2015
• Subjects: bioindicators; biological characteristics; ecological analysis; organic production; pepper; weeds
• ISSN: 1821-4487; 2956-0195

The aim of the study was to examine the weed flora structure and to identify possible differences in habitat conditions. The research was conducted in the crops of pepper grown according to the principles of organic production at two localities (Ljutovo and Stara Pazova). A total of 29 weed species was noted (8 common species). Floristically richer was the locality Stara Pazova. Five species are invasive in the region of Vojvodina. There were no significant differences in ecological conditions of habitats, except slightly larger differences in species diversity in relation to ecological indices for the temperature and humidity of habitat. Strong anthropogenic influence was indicated by significant dominance of therophytes in both localities. At Stara Pazova there were also perennial geophytes and hemikryptophytes, which indicate the stability of weed flora and worse weed control measures. Most of the weeds have a root system that penetrates to the depth of 50-100 cm. Approximately 60 % of the weeds begin to bloom in June and flowering ends in September. Approximately 60 % of the weeds form seed that can survive in soil from 20 to 100 years. In both localities dominated by weed-ruderal species and species that develop under the strong anthropogenic influence.