Weed vegetation in southern Moravia (Czech Republic): a formalized phytosociological classification.

A phytosociological synthesis of weed vegetation of southern Moravia (Czech Republic) was performed using the Braun-Blanquet approach. Gradsect sampling, i.e. a priori stratified selection of sampling sites, was used for the field survey. Using this method, 115 quadrants of the Central European mapping grid (6 × 5.6 km) were chosen. Three hundred and ten relevés recorded in 1997–2002 were classified, based on the Cocktail method, which defines sociological species groups and then creates formal definitions of vegetation units. In total, nine associations of the class Stellarietea mediae were distinguished in southern Moravia. Three associations were included in the alliance Caucalidion lappulae (Lathyro-Adonidetum, Euphorbio- Melandrietum, Veronicetum hederifoliotriphylli) and three in the alliance Scleranthion annui (Aphano-Matricarietum, Spergulo- Scleranthetum, Erophilo-Arabidopsietum). For each of the alliances Veronico-Euphorbion, Spergulo-Oxalidion and Panico- Setarion one association was distinguished, respectively, Setario- Fumarietum, Panico-Chenopodietum polyspermi and Echinochloo- Setarietum pumilae. Species composition of these associations is documented in a synoptic table. Their structure, ecology, and distribution are commented.