Ecological Diversity of Summer Maize Weed Species in the Western Mid‐Hills of Nepal

Maize ( Zea mays L.) cultivation in the mid‐hills of Nepal is vital for food security but faces significant yield losses due to weed competition. The two‐year (2023–2024) phytosociological study on summer maize was conducted to assess weed diversity and dynamics in randomly selected 40 farmers’ fields of Puranchaur, Dhikidada, Gharmi, and Lamachaur at Pokhara Metropolitan City of Nepal. During both years, a total of 21 weed species were documented, predominantly from the Asteraceae and Poaceae families, and the majorities were annual broadleaf weeds. Persicaria nepalensis (Meisner) H. Gross emerged as the most ecologically significant species, exhibiting the highest Importance Value Index (49.06) due to its widespread distribution, higher density, and abundance. Cyperus spp. (34.74), Galinsoga parviflora Cav. (31.86), and Ageratum conyzoides L. (26.96) were also dominant, reflecting resilience in a rainfed disturbed environment. Spatial‐temporal analysis revealed declining weed diversity in Dhikidada (Shannon index: 2.23 to 2.04) but increased in Gharmi (1.97 to 2.09). The study underscores the need for integrated weed management that targets the dominant weed species and actively monitors shifts in community diversity to reduce yield losses and enhance maize production for smallholders in the region.