ials and Methods
We made several field surveys to different states of our country such as Tamilnadu, Andhrapradesh, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uthrakand, Sathishgadh, Jharkand, Odyssa and West Bengal. We carried out contract cultivation and arranged for collection of weeds by providing training to the collectors. Based on our observation we compiled list of weeds, their abundance and distribution pattern, etc. Herbarium specimens of the weeds are collected and deposited in the R&D Centre, Natural Remedies Private Limited, Bangalore 560100. The identity of the specimens confirmed using regional floras.
Results and discussion
It is to be noted that weeds cause more damage to agriculture crops than pathogens or insect pests. In agriculture weeds compete against regular cash crops. Some of the acknowledged issues with weeds are tabulated below4-5.
i) block major resources, compete for space, water, fertilizer, and land
ii) overgrow than regular crops and block sunlight
iii) lower quality of agricultural produce
iv) lower quality of pasture
v) increase in cost of production
vi) block irrigation
vii) harbor pests and serve as hosts for crop diseases
viii) reducing crop quality by contaminating the commodity
ix) interfering with harvest
x) limiting the choice of crop rotation
xi) producing chemical substances that can be allergens or toxins to humans, animals, or crop plants (allelopathy)
xii) producing thorns and woody stems that cause irritations and abrasions to skin, mouths, or hooves of livestock
xiii) being unsightly, dominant, aggressive, or unattractive although some weeds are used as ornamentals in gardens
xiv) obstructing visibility along roadways,
xv) interfering with delivery of public utilities (power lines, telephone wires),
xvi) obstructing the flow of water in water ways, and creating fire hazards
xvii) accelerating deterioration of recreational areas, parking lots, buildings, and equipment
xviii) invading exotic weed species that can displace native species in stabilized natural areas
Weeds deplete large quantities of mineral nutrients and other resources more efficiently than crop plants and thrive better during unfavorable conditions compared to crops. Sometimes they absorb more nutrients t
