Nile Tilapia(Oreochromis niloticus) as a successful biological invader in Jammu (J&K) and its impacts on native ecosystem.

The Nile tilapia is considered an omnivorous species and it ingest zooplanktons, phytoplanktons, or debris present in rivers. As a consequence, the release of Nile tilapia into non-native aquatic ecosystems may result in competition for food and space, thereby damaging native species. The wide environmental tolerance and high reproductive rate of Nile tilapia facilitate its use for aquaculture, but also render the species highly invasive. Here, we review the high frequency of Nile tilapia in non-native biodiversity and indicate the existence of the species under feral conditions and there impacts on the non-native ecosystem.

Documentation of Aquatic Invasive Alien flora of Jammu region, Jammu and Kashmir.

The present study deals with the first ever inventorisation and documentation of aquatic invasive alien plant species of Jammu region with background information on family, habit and nativity . Total 55 invasive alien plant species belonging to 24 families were documented. It was prepared based on history, species origin, species behaviour and field observations. A total of 15 different geographic regions in terms of nativity are recorded in the present study. Among these, more than 90% are contributed by four major geographical regions, viz., continent of America, Africa, Europe and Mediterranean. The American continents contributed majority of noxious invasive plants in Jammu region followed by the Europe and Africa respectively. The families Potamogetonaceae and Cyperaceae are the most dominant family with (7 sp. each) followed by Hydrocharitaceae (5 sp.) , Menyanthaceae , Poaceae and Alismataceae (3 sp. each ) , Amaranthaceae , Ceratophyllaceae , Polygonaceae , Convolvulaceae ,Typhaceae ,Najadaceae , Ranunculaceae , Brassicaceae and Characeae with ( 2 sp. each) and least contributing families are Pontederiaceae , Cabombaceae , Salviniaceae , Isoetaceae , Marsileaceae , Aplaceae , Juncaceae , Azollaceae and Plantiginaceae with (1 sp. each). Habit wise analysis shows herbaceous species share 65% (36 sp.) , followed by graminoid 20% (11sp.) , sedges 5.45% (3sp.) , algae 3.6% (2sp.) , Shrub ,climber and fern share 1.8% (1 sp. each).

Diversity of invasive alien species of Jammu district (Jammu and Kashmir).

The present study deals with comprehensive list of Invasive alien plants of Indian Himalayan Region with background information on family, habit and nativity. A total of 60 invasive alien species under 51 genera, belonging to 33families have been recorded. Among these, the dicotyledons represent by 28families and 52 species; monocotyledons represent by 5 families and 8 species. The analysis of invasive species reveals that most species have been introduced unintentionally through trade while only 11species intentionally introduced. Most of the species are of American origin. While in life form analysis, the herbs (45 species) are dominant, followed by shrubs (6 species), Grass (3 species), Trees, sedges and climbers (2 species each). Most of the invasive species are annual habit (57%). A better planning is needed for early detection to control and reporting of infestations of spread of new and naturalized weeds to be monitored.