Taxonomic diversity, distribution pattern and management implications of weed flora in rice fields of Kashmir Valley

Invasion by problematic weed species is one of the major contributors in the loss of potential yield in rice cultivation. Therefore, weed flora associated with rice crop in Kashmir Valley was investigated. Based on extensive field surveys carried out during 2010–2013, the present study revealed that 40 plant species were growing as weeds in rice fields of Kashmir Valley, which belonged to 27 genera in 19 families. The actual weeds of rice (40 species) and the weeds (58 species) growing along raised bunds and in between undulated lands of rice fields were recorded. Six species have been reported for the first time as rice weeds. For each weed species, crucial data on growth form, life span, flowering and fruiting months, breeding and dispersal mechanisms were obtained. Weed species growing commonly in the rice fields of Kashmir Valley, as well as those growing rarely were identified. Though weed species were distributed throughout the region, the overall taxonomic diversity of weed flora in rice fields were drastically declined from North to South in Kashmir Valley. Based on the data obtained on diversity and distribution of weed flora, the paper also discusses long-term weed management in the rice fields of Kashmir Valley.