Phytosociological Survey of Spontaneous Plants in the Culture of Agroecological Maize with Plants of Intercalar Coverage

Abstract

Aims: The objective was to carry the phytosociological survey of spontaneous plants in the agroecological maize crop cultivated with intercalar cover plants in the summer and fall/winter harvest. Study Design: The experimental design used was of randomized blocks with subdivided plots in the time 4x2x2, with 5 replicates. Place and Duration of Study: The experiment was conducted in a farm, located in Missal – PR, managed in agroecological system since 2009. Methodology: The crop modalities used were maize + pigeon pea, maize + showy rattlepod, maize + jack bean and monoculture (control), being evaluated during summer and fall/winter seasons, at 30 and 70 days after emergence.  Frequency, abundance, and density of plants per linear meter and the importance value index (IVI) were determined in a 1 m² area. Results: The specie Commelina benghalensis L. and Leonorus sibiricus L, were the plants with the highest IVI for the crop modalities maize + pigeon pea and maize + showy rattlepod. Conclusion: The cultivation of maize with cover crops, mainly showy rattlepod, may be a recommended management to reduce spontaneous plants in maize in the agroecological system. Aims: The objective was to carry the phytosociological survey of spontaneous plants in the agroecological maize crop cultivated with intercalar cover plants in the summer and fall/winter harvest. Study Design: The experimental design used was of randomized blocks with subdivided plots in the time 4x2x2, with 5 replicates. Place and Duration of Study: The experiment was conducted in a farm, located in Missal – PR, managed in agroecological system since 2009. Methodology: The crop modalities used were maize + pigeon pea, maize + showy rattlepod, maize + jack bean and monoculture (control), being evaluated during summer and fall/winter seasons, at 30 and 70 days after emergence.  Frequency, abundance, and density of plants per linear meter and the importance value index (IVI) were determined in a 1 m² area. Results: The specie Commelina benghalensis L. and Leonorus sibiricus L, were the plants with the highest IVI for the crop modalities maize + pigeon pea and maize + showy rattlepod. Conclusion: The cultivation of maize with cover crops, mainly showy rattlepod, may be a recommended management to reduce spontaneous plants in maize in the agroecological system.