Diversity and impact of invasive alien plant species of family Asteraceae in Jammu district (Jammu and Kashmir, India).

ABSTRACT

The present study deals with comprehensive list and impact of invasive alien plants species of family Asteraceae in Jammu district (J&K, India) with background information on habit and nativity. A total of 15 invasive alien plant species under have been recorded. These include Ageratum conyzoides L., Anthemis tinctoria L., Aster pilosum Willd., Bidens pilosa L., Cichorium intibus L., Cirsium arvense (L.) Scop., Eclipta prostrata (L.) L., Emilia sonchifolia (L.) DC., Parthenium hysterophorus L., Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn., Sonchus arvensis L., Sonchus asper (L.) Hill, Tridax procumbens L., Xanthium strumarium L., Youngia japonica (L.) DC. The analysis of invasive species reveals that most species have been introduced unintentionally through trade while only 2species intentionally introduced. Most of the species are of American origin. A better planning is needed for early detection to control and reporting of infestations of spread of new and naturalized weeds to be monitored.