PJB-2022-1548
Diversity of invasive alien plants species of lesser Himalayas-Pakistan
Farida Anjum, Mushtaq Ahmad, Zabta Khan Shinwari, Muhammad Zafar, Shazia Sultana, Salman Majeed, Anwer Usman And Asif Mir
Abstract
The objective of current study is the comprehensive account regarding the diversity of invasive alien plants of Lesser Himalayas-Pakistan with special emphasis on family, habit, nativity, mode of introduction, and global distribution. A total of 73 invasive alien species under 65 genera and 30 families have been documented in present research study which is based upon field observations, herbarium, literature consultations and review. As far as mode of introduction of species is concerned 37% species, have been introduced intentionally wile rest of species were unintentionally established via different means, the most common is trade. Analysis of status or life form of these plant species indicates that herbs are dominant (44), while shrubs (10 species), Grass (6 species), Trees (10species), undershrub, climber, and Fern (1 species each). Perennial habit is represented by 43 invasive plant species followed by 25 annual and rest of species shows both annual and perennial habit. Nativity analysis revealed that majority of invasive alien plant species are reported from American subcontinent (51%). Plant invasions adversely affect indigenous flora, ecosystem functions which results in ecological and economic imbalance of a particular region. Impacts of biological invasions are complex as it alters the species composition and its dynamics. Due to biological invasions plant communities in an area become less diverse that is proved as a threat to native diversity of invaded region. A better planning strategies and appropriate control measures (indigenous biological and cultural weed control measures) is the urgent need of time. This will give a clear strategy to mitigate the existing and future adverse effects of alien plant invasions on ecological processes that are vulnerable.
To Cite this article:
Anjum, F., M. Ahmad, Z.K. Shinwari, M. Zafar, S. Sultana, S. Majeed, A. Usma and A. Mir. 2022. Diversity of invasive alien plants species of lesser Himalayas-Pakistan. Pak. J. Bot., 54(6): DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.30848/PJB2022-6(46)
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