Ethnobotanical uses, diversity, and palatability of weeds in the tobacco crop, Yaqubi field, tehsil Razar, district Swabi

Authors

  • Samar Mushtaq University of Peshawar
  • Ismail Ijaz University of Peshawar
  • Lal Badshah University of Peshawar
  • Sumbal Khan Atta-ur-Rahman School of Applied Biosciences, National University of Sciences and Technology, Islamabad 44000, Pakistan
  • Asad Ullah University of Peshawar

Abstract

Background: A research region's phyto-diversity provides a diversity of services to humans and their livestock, including food, feed, and medicines. The livestock's inclinations are quantified by the plants' palatability. This present study is the first attempt to document the diversity, palatable status, and ethnomedicinal uses of weeds in the region.

Objectives: The primary aim of this investigation was to record the biodiversity of weed species in tobacco crops and their ethnomedicinal uses and palatability.

Methods: An examination survey with frequent visits to the research area was conducted to determine the ethnobotanical uses and palatability status of weeds in tobacco crops.

Results: The present study highlights the ethnobotanical importance of weed species traditionally used by indigenous communities for treating various ailments. Several of these species also serve as valuable fodder resources for livestock, reflecting their dual role in local healthcare and agricultural practices. In total, 50 weed species were recorded, belonging to 47 genera and 23 families. Poaceae with 12 spp. (24 %) emerged as the most dominant family, followed by Asteraceae with 9 spp. (18 %), and Amaranthaceae with 4 spp. (8 %). Therophytes were the prevailing life-form (66 %), with microphylls being the most common leaf-size category (30 %). The overall diversity reflects a rich and ecologically significant weed flora in the study area. Moreover, a large proportion of these species (94 %) were found to be palatable, indicating their strong potential as a forage resource.

Conclusion: Based on our findings, it is recommended to employ natural weed management procedures that conserve the ethnobotanical value of palatable species while reducing the influence of lethal weeds on tobacco cultivation.

Keywords: Weeds diversity, Tobacco field, life forms, leaf size spectra, palatability, ethnobotany, Yaqubi field, Swabi district.

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Published

2025-09-08

How to Cite

Mushtaq, S., Ijaz, I., Badshah, L., Khan, S., & Ullah, A. (2025). Ethnobotanical uses, diversity, and palatability of weeds in the tobacco crop, Yaqubi field, tehsil Razar, district Swabi. Ethnobotany Research and Applications, 32, 1–15. Retrieved from https://ethnobotanyjournal.org/index.php/era/article/view/7236

Issue

Vol. 32 (2025)

Section

Research

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