Abstract

Survey of weed flora of Baramati region has revealed that Commelina nudiflora L. is a dominant weed among common weeds in croplands and fallow lands. In order to ascertain the survival potential of C. nudiflora some photosynthetic parameters along with water relations of this plant were investigated. Baramati region is a drought prone hot semi-arid area in Pune, Maharashtra. C. nudiflora, belonging to the family Commelinaceae is a typical succulent plant and this was confirmed further by water relation studies like moisture content, osmotic potential, leaf water content and succulent index. Besides above mesophyll succulence, surface expansion and succulence index values were within the range of a typical crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) plant. Further studies on diurnal fluctuations in pH status, stomatal behaviour and acidity status also confirmed its CAM mode of photosynthetic behaviour. All these findings led to the conclusion that CAM is in an operation in this weed.

Key words: Crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM), Commelina nudiflora L., weeds.