A Survey on Diversity and Distribution of Weed Species in Tea Estates in Badulla Region
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Date
2015
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Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka
Abstract
A survey was conducted to study the diversity and distribution of weeds in tea fields of Wewesse Tea Estate, Badulla during the months of August to December, 2019. The aim was to identify the most common and prevalent weeds associated with Tea and their abundances under different elevation and age categories of tea. The survey covered mature, old and pruned tea fields located at both low and high elevations. Weed sample were obtained from 10 randomly selected spots of each of the above fields using a quadrat sized 0.5mx0.5m. Weeds present within each quadrat were identified and counted by species and the frequency, density, abundance and diversity index for each species were calculated. A total of 52 different weed species founded under the survey and there were
36 broadleaved weeds, 12 grasses, 3 sedges and 1 fern. Ageratum conyzoides
(Hulanthala) was found to be the most abundant. Other prominent species were Borreria latifolia, Eleutheranthera ruderalis, Commelina benghalensis and Setaria barbata. Weeds were more abundant at lower elevation compared to the higher elevation of the estate.
Key words: Weed Survey in tea at Badulla, Weed species diversity, Diversity Index.
Description
Keywords
Tea Technology and Value Addition Degree Programme ( TEA)