Exotic Weeds Flora in Crop Fields in Republic of Korea

Abstract

We surveyed the distribution of exotic weeds in Korean paddy fields, uplands, orchards and pastures from 12,568 sites during 3 years, 2013, 2014 and 2015. As a result, 166 species in 28 families were identified and 7, 130, 126, and 80 species were surveyed from paddy fields, uplands, orchards, and pastures, respectively. Among the 166 species, 128 species were annual weed and 38 species were perennial weed. Especially, winter annual exotic weeds were 63 species (37.8%). 46, 16, and 104 exotic weeds were classified to their introduction period of 1 (1876-1921), 2 (1922-1963), and 3 (1964-now) period, respectively. The exotic weeds introduced in 2 and 3 period, included 12 Invasive Alien Species. The weeds from 1 period, however, could be grouped into native weeds as the ‘naturalized weed’ and managed the same as the native weeds. Especially, some exotic weeds such as common groundsel were widely distributed in Korean crop lands, and they will become more problematic in near future. Therefore, systemic research from the biology to management should be conducted and the results from the studies should be applied practically.