Weed Flora of Cultivated and Uncultivated Fields: A Comparative Study

A survey was carried out during March and April 2023 to study the weed flora present in both cultivated and uncultivated areas of the college campus. A total of 29 weed species were recorded, varying in their frequency, density, and abundance across different zones. Several species showed clear dominance, reflecting their adaptability to varied ecological conditions. Prominent among these were Erigeron bonariensis, Taraxacum officinale, Malva parviflora, Parthenium hysterophorus, Artemisia annua, Amaranthus viridis, Cannabis sativa, Oxalis corniculata, Achyranthes aspera and Sida rhombifolia. The study highlights a diversity of weed species in terms of frequency, density and abundance in both managed (cultivated) and unmanaged (uncultivated) landscapes, reflecting the distribution of weeds. Notably, many of the identified species possess significant medicinal properties. For instance, Taraxacum officinale, Sida rhombifolia, Oxalis corniculata etc. are known for its anti-diabetic potential, Cannabis sativa has been used in pain management, and Artemisia annua is a source of artemisinin, used in malaria treatment. These findings underline the dual role of weeds as both ecological competitors and potential sources of natural medicine. The study contributes to local weed knowledge and supports the sustainable exploration of medicinally valuable weed species.