Abstract

Weed communities constitute an important component of any agro-ecosystem. Weeds are widespread among different crop cultivars and usually cause many changes. Cucurbita pepo is a common vegetable cultivated around the world. Additionally, there is a significant increase in the cultivation of Cucurbita pepo in Saudi Arabia. During the 2015 and 2017 growing seasons of Cucurbita pepo “zucchini,” weed communities were investigated in five regions of the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. Fifty-four weed species belonging to 20 plant families that occurred within the Cucurbita pepo fields in the studied areas were investigated. Community structure, frequency, presence and species diversity were evaluated. In addition, relative abundance and phi-coefficient of association was calculated. The diversity and functional complex of weed communities can help to sustain biodiversity, ecosystem amenities and maintain crop performance.

Key words: Abundance, Cucurbita pepo, species diversity, weed community.