Weed flora of the date palm orchards in eastern Saudi Arabia

Abstract

The present study deals with the weed flora of the date plam plantations in Al-Hassa Oasis, Eastern Saudi Arabia. A list of 118 species belonging to 91 genera, and 37 families are given. This figure represents about 20% of the flora of Eastern Saudi Arabia. Thirty-five species cause severe infestations and hence they could be considered as troublesome weeds. Some other species, recorded in the neglected farms, are typically halophytic. They represent the major components of the saline desert flora.