Determination significant weed species, their density and frequency in sesame cultivated areas of middle shabelle province in Somalia

Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) is one of the most important vegetable oil sources in Somalia. Although it can be grown in almost every region of the country, it is widely produced in Middle Shabelle Province. This study was carried out in the Middle Shabelle province of Somalia in the 2022 year, to determine weed species, density and frequency of weeds in sesame cultivation areas. With this aim, a survey was conducted in total of 36 sesame growing areas from jowhar and bal'ad districts of the province, where sesame production is mostly grown. 27 weed species belonging 14 familes were determined during survey studies. The most common families in the study area are Poaceae (5 species), Asteraceae (4 species), Amaranthaceae (3 species), Malvaceae (3 species), Boraginaceae (2 species) and Fabaceae (2 species) among weeds determined. The species Cynodon dactylon (2.15 weed/m2), Portulaca oleracea L. (1.71 weed/m2), Cyperus rotundus L. (1.58 weed/m2), Heliotropium steudneri Vatke. (0.99 weed/m2), Xanthium strumarium L. (0.87 weed/m2), Echinochloa colona (L.) Link (0.79 weed/m2) Digitaria abyssinica (0.65 weed/m2), Launaea cornuta (0.52 weed/m2), Abutilon anglosomaliae Cufod. ex Thulin (0.48 weed/m2) and Amaranthus graecizans L. (0.47 weed/m2) were recorded as the most insentive weeds in the province. In addition, face to face interviews were conducted with 50 farmers living in different villages in the province. According to the survey studies, 14 questions were asked on subjects about sesame, weeds and weed control methods in sesame fields. As a result of the surveys, the producers have stated that Xanthium strumarium L., Cyperus rotundus L. and Cynodon dactylon are determined as the most problematic weeds. Also most producers stated that they prefer mechanical control for control weeds.