Study of Weeds in Banana Cultivation in the Comoros Islands http://www.doi.org/10.26538/tjnpr/v7i9.5

Abstract

Bananas (Musa acuminata) rank fourth in the world in agricultural production after wheat, rice, and maize. They are the most widely grown fruit in the world. However, the presence of weeds is a factor reducing this production. In banana crops, plant biodiversity includes weeds and ground-cover plants. Thus, this study focuses on the inventory and floristic biodiversity of banana crop weeds in three producing islands of Comoros: Anjouan (island 2), Mohéli (island 1), and Ngazidja (island 3). Species identification was carried out systematically using a CDROM called Adventol, and various phytosociological parameters were studied. The results revealed the identification of 102 species in 29 families. The island of Ngazidja stands out for its floristic richness, hosting 56 species in 20 families. The highest similarity coefficient was observed between islands 1 and 3, reaching 57.14%. The families with the highest number of
weed species are Poaceae (24 species; 23.5%), Asteraceae (12 species; 11.8%), and Fabaceae (11 species; 10.8%). The Jaccard index is significant between Islands 1 and 3, reaching 0.4. Consequently, managers must consider improving weed control methods by adopting new technologies for banana production in Comoros.