Diversity and potential uses of weeds on family farms, Contramaestre municipality, Santiago de Cuba, Cuba

Abstract

Weeds are eliminated from agroecosystems without knowing their potential for agricultural use. The objective of this work was to evaluate the diversity and potential uses of weed species in three family farms in the Contramaestre municipality, Santiago de Cuba, Cuba. A unique sampling was carried out on each farm from which a general list was prepared that allowed the determination of the representativeness of the weeds, as well as the evaluation of the botanical composition, alpha diversity indicators and the most dominant species. Potential uses were determined through bibliographic analysis. 77 310 individuals were sampled, belonging to 21 families, 36 genera and 41 species. The families that contributed the most were Poaceae, Asteraceae, Fabaceae, Malvaceae and Cleomaceae; meanwhile, Cleome, Sida and Commelina were the ones who contributed the most. The alpha diversity indicators are within the range established for correct diversity and abundance, although species richness is considered moderate to low; Cleome viscosa, Cleome gynandra and Cleome spinosa were the most dominant species. Medicinal use predominated, which was attributed to several of the weeds found; to a lesser extent, beekeeping, food, domestic, fruit and ornamental uses were recognized.