Abstract:

Potentilla indica (Andrews) Th.Wolf. is a plant originating from East and South Asia and has spread to many countries. In Central European countries, as a result of its use as an ornamental plant since the beginning of the 19th century, its population has increased rapidly and has become an invasive species in natural ecosystems. When the flora of Turkey is examined, it is seen that this species spreads in the Eastern Black Sea Region and is a weed species that creates a problem in the tea orchards of Rize province located in the region. In our study to determine unregistered invasive weed species in hazelnut orchards in Ordu province in 2021, it was determined that P. indica species spread in some hazelnut orchards. The presence of P. indica species was determined in 16 orchards out of 75 hazelnut orchards examined. As a result of the survey based on altitude and distance from the sea, weed species were found in all three regions. Therefore, the species has spread widely in hazelnut orchards. P. indica is similar to the fruit and leaf structure characteristics of Fragaria vesca, which is densely found in the region and generally shares the same habitat. Both are perennial weed species belonging to the Rosaceae family. Its distinguishing features are flower color and fruit characteristics. F. vesca has white flowers, sweet and slightly drooping fruit and P. indica has yellow flowers and upright tasteless fruit are their distinguishing features. Due to the similarity of the two species, it is estimated that the species were confused with each other in previous studies of vegetation structure in hazelnut orchards and therefore the species could not be detected or its contamination may be new. This study is the first record of the species in Ordu province and gives general information about the species.

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