Determination of the most troublesome weed species infesting corn-growing areas in çukurova region and possible cover crop species that can be used in their management

In this study, weed survey was carried out during 2015 and 2016 growing seasons to determine the most troublesome weed species that infest corn fields in Çukurova Region. Field surveys conducted across three provinces, namely Adana, Mersin and Osmaniye, total of 42 weed species belonging to 19 families were identified. Among the identified weed species, first one is Wild Melon (Cucumis melo var. agrestis Naudin) and second, at least two Morning Glory species (Ipomoea spp.) were determined in corn-growing areas in this region. In addition, adaptation of cover crops that can be used against weeds in corn crops to Cukurova region conditions were also investigated. In this study, 16 different cover crop species representing four plant families were used and their weed suppression potentials were assessed. In addition, ten cover crop species were selected and their competition with corn plants was examined in pot experiment. Finally, the abundance and density of the most troublesome weed species in corn cultivation areas were determined. In this study, Poterium sanguisorba L., Trigonella foenum-graecum L., Lathyrus cicera L., Trifolium alexandrinum L. species were found to be the best adapted cover crops to Çukurova Regional climatic conditions during maize growing season and the least competitive cover crops was Crimson Clover (Trifolium incarnatum L.), Hungarian Vetch (Vicia pannonica Crantz) and Red Fescue Grass (Festuca rubra L.) species.