ASSESSMENT OF SYNERGIES OF THE SYNCHRONIZED BIODIVERSITY OF WHEAT AND SUGARCANE CROPS IN FAISALABAD DISTRICT

Abstract

The diversity of macroinvertebrates assemblages in wheat-weeds and sugarcane-weeds agroecosystems were recorded. In addition, phytochemical potential of weeds recorded from both crops were determined to evaluate assessment of synergies of the synchronized biodiversity of wheat and sugarcane crops in Faisalabad district. A total of 72 species of macroinvertebrates (n=4228) were recorded from wheat-weeds agroecosystem. Of these, 58 species inhabited both wheat and weeds while the remaining 14 were recorded only from weeds. Arthropoda (92.41%) and the Mollusca (7.59%) were most recorded macro-invertebrate taxa. Hemiptera (29.09%), Coleoptera (24.77%), Diptera (23.07%), Orthoptera (5.34%) and Pulmonata (8.69%) were the dominant groups of macroinvertebrates in wheat. Diptera (30.92%), Hemiptera (26.49%), Coleoptera (13.53%), Hymenoptera (9.97%) Pulmonata (6.81) and Orthoptera (6.16%) on the other hand, were the most recorded macroinvertebrates on wheat weeds. A higher number of macroinvertebrates (n= 2930) was recorded at the edges in comparison to the centers (n= 1298) of wheat fields. The diversity (H′), richness (S) and evenness (E) indicated a highly significant difference in species composition in most of the habitat combinations. A total of 232 species of macroinvertebrates (n = 5665) were recorded from sugarcane- weeds agroecosystem. Of these, 53 were recorded only from sugarcane while 61 were recorded exclusively from weeds. Arthropods were the most abundant group of macroinvertebrates collected from sugarcane (94.26%) and its associated weeds (98.22%). Hemiptera Coleoptera, Diptera, Orthoptera and Araneae collectively constituted 82% of the macroinvertebrates. A comparison of the diversity (H′) values indicated a highly significant difference in species richness (S) and evenness (E) in all the habitat combinations. The diversity (H′), richness (S) and evenness (E) were higher at the edge than the center of both habitats under consideration.Seeds of fifteen weeds and vegetative parts (roots, stem, and leaves) of seventeen weeds were subjected to analysis to evaluate their phytochemicals. Flavinoids, saponins, tannins, steroids, glycosides, alkaloids, anthrequinones and terpenoids were recorded. This baseline study documents that weeds provide phytomorphic heterogeneity for heterogeneity of macroinvertebrates feeding, breeding and over wintering and taking refuge in various niches. They seem help in maintaining a balance between predator-prey population dynamics and in turn, warrant sustainable crop production with least amount of pesticides and fertilizers used. The weeds that are already being used as traditional medicines could have great economic potential to be used as synergizers fortifying the wheat flour quality (as seeds) and green manure as well.