Broadleaf weeds associated with the cultivation of habanero pepper (Capsicum chinensis) in the Yucatán Península.

Abstract

Objective: Identify the weeds, presents in seed Banks, associated with the cultivation of habanero pepper in the Yucatan Peninsula and may be hosts of pests.

Design/methodology/approach: Soil samples obtained from the plots established with habanero pepper. They were brought the greenhouse for the emergence and development of the present weeds for identification through images and with the support of herbarium. The floristic diversity was identified by means of indices. Symptomatic plants DNA was obtained to confirm the presence of begomovirus.

Results: 31 families identified where the Asteraceae family stands out. The floristic composition in the three states was different; the dominant species were Amaranthus spinosus, Parthenium hysterophorus and Acmella oppositifolia for Campeche, Yucatan and Quintana Roo respectively. Yucatán was the state with the greatest diversity. Several species registered are recognized viral host.

Limitation/implications: The seed Banks present constants variation from one cycle to another, which limits obtaining the total of the species present in the samples obtained.

Conclusion: It is necessary to have the knowledge of present weed species to propose improvements in the technological packages and allow a sustainable management.