CURRENT DISTRIBUTION MAP OF COMMON COCKLEBUR (XANTHIUMSTRUMARIUM L.) IN TURKEY

Rich floristic diversity of Turkey makes it a biodiversity hotspot in the Europe. Unfortunately, no comprehensive database exists for the current distribution maps of weeds and invasive plant species in the country. Species distribution data, particularly of invasive plants and weed species, give empirical information for their successful management. Common cocklebur (Xanthium strumarium L.) is a naturalized species in Turkey, which infests several crops and significantly reduces their yield. Current study was aimed to construct the current distribution map of the species in the country. Furthermore, determining the soil properties associated with the distribution of the species was the other major aim of the study. Exploratory surveys were conducted in three regions, i.e., Black Sea. Marmara and Southeastern Anatolia during 2014 to 2017. Survey locations were specified by dividing these regions into 10 x 10 kin systematic grids and nodes of the grids were surveyed to record the presence/absence of the species. Data relating to presence/absence, geographic coordinates and species' density were recorded. Nonetheless, soil samples were collected for correlating species' presence with soil properties. A total 910 locations were surveyed and the species was recorded at 323 sites with 35.49% frequency of occurrence. The density of the species varied from 1 to 32 plants m2. The species was distributed in all surveyed regions; however, the densest stands were noted for southeastern Anatolia region. Principal component analysis revealed a weak correlation among soil properties and density of the species. The current study adds valuable information, which can be used in future studies dealing with range shifts or effects of climate change on the distribution of the species.