EXPLORATION OF THE SPECIES Commelina benghalensis L. (Commelinaceae) IN THE CENTRAL AND SOUTH REGIONS OF NICARAGUA AND RISK ANALYSIS OF ITS INTRODUCTION THROUGH PASTURE SEED

Abstract

Commelina bengalensis L. is recognized as high-risk and aggressive weed specie which under Nicaraguan current legislation has restricted the introduction to the country. In view of this, a study was conducted in order to determine the presence or absence of this species in the south-central and southern part of Nicaragua, and in case of absence, to perform a risk analysis of introduction of the species through pasture seed. The study was conducted in the departments of Boaco, Chontales, Rivas and the municipality of Nueva Guinea. The study is not experimental, cross cutting in nature. In a period of 15 days, from 15 March to 30 March 2012, 14 grassland farms were sampled systematically sampled in the regions mentioned. The information obtained was presence or absence of the specie, and information regarding other species of the genus Commelina, in order to confirm or rule out the presence of the C. benghalensis. Subsequently, in view of the absence of the specie, a literature review was conducted in order to evaluate the risk of introduction it. Results show absence of the specie. During the study it was possible to determine the presence of the species C. diffusa and C. erecta with similarities with C. benghalensis, however, morphological peculiarities of the latter allow concerned discard of such specie. To prevent the introduction and establishment of C. benghalensis it is require that imported grass seeds come from sites free of the specie, to be sure that phytosanitary management is performed to ensure that the pasture seeds are free from seeds of the specie, the creation of a verification program at the origin country to determine the origin of the seeds and fulfill the requirements established in a regular seed production programs. Likewise, to request international phytosanitary certificate stating that the product comes from the weed-free areas, and locally perform inspection sampling and laboratory analysis to determine the absence or presence of the weed.

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5377/calera.v12i19.1182

La Calera Revista Científica Vol. 12. Nº 19, p. 86-90 / diciembre 2012