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<p>Banj oak (<i>Quercus leucotrichophora</i>) and Chir pine (<i>Pinus roxburghii</i>) are the dominant tree species defining the major forest types in the Kumaun region of the Himalayas. <i>Ageratina adenophora</i>, an invasive perennial herb from the Asteraceae family, is rapidly colonizing these forest habitats, threatening native plant diversity and ecosystem integrity. Due to its perennial nature, <i>A. adenophora</i> contributes substantial leaf litter to the forest floor annually. Hence, this study was conducted to assess the effects of fresh, dry, and composted <i>A. adenophora</i> leaf material on the growth of <i>Q. leucotrichophora</i> and <i>P. roxburghii</i> through a controlled pot experiment. The composting of fresh leaves was carried out over a two-month period, and each treatment (fresh, dry, and composted leaves) was added to 1000&#xa0;g of soil at a rate of 37.5&#xa0;g per kg, while a control group with no leaf residue addition was maintained. Results demonstrated that fresh and dry leaf materials suppressed seedling growth, while composted leaves improved seed germination, seedling development, and biomass accumulation in both native species. The observed inhibitory effects of <i>A. adenophora</i> leaf litter on seed germination highlight its potential to hinder the regeneration of native species, thus contributing to the invasive success of <i>A. adenophora</i>. The enhancement of seedling growth in soils enriched with composted <i>A. adenophora</i> leaves suggests that such compost could be used as an organic amendment in nurseries, supporting native tree propagation while potentially controlling the spread of this invasive species in the Kumaun Himalayan forests. This study provides new insights into the allelopathic potential of <i>A. adenophora</i> and its impact on native tree species, particularly in terms of regeneration and establishment. It also suggests a practical approach for mitigating the spread of this invasive plant by utilizing its composted material in forest management strategies.</p>

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Invasion consequences: suppression of native tree seedlings by Ageratina adenophora and the potential of its composted leaves as an organic amendment

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年7月31日

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  • Kavita Khatri,
  • Kiran Bargali,
  • Surendra Singh Bargali

摘要

Banj oak (Quercus leucotrichophora) and Chir pine (Pinus roxburghii) are the dominant tree species defining the major forest types in the Kumaun region of the Himalayas. Ageratina adenophora, an invasive perennial herb from the Asteraceae family, is rapidly colonizing these forest habitats, threatening native plant diversity and ecosystem integrity. Due to its perennial nature, A. adenophora contributes substantial leaf litter to the forest floor annually. Hence, this study was conducted to assess the effects of fresh, dry, and composted A. adenophora leaf material on the growth of Q. leucotrichophora and P. roxburghii through a controlled pot experiment. The composting of fresh leaves was carried out over a two-month period, and each treatment (fresh, dry, and composted leaves) was added to 1000 g of soil at a rate of 37.5 g per kg, while a control group with no leaf residue addition was maintained. Results demonstrated that fresh and dry leaf materials suppressed seedling growth, while composted leaves improved seed germination, seedling development, and biomass accumulation in both native species. The observed inhibitory effects of A. adenophora leaf litter on seed germination highlight its potential to hinder the regeneration of native species, thus contributing to the invasive success of A. adenophora. The enhancement of seedling growth in soils enriched with composted A. adenophora leaves suggests that such compost could be used as an organic amendment in nurseries, supporting native tree propagation while potentially controlling the spread of this invasive species in the Kumaun Himalayan forests. This study provides new insights into the allelopathic potential of A. adenophora and its impact on native tree species, particularly in terms of regeneration and establishment. It also suggests a practical approach for mitigating the spread of this invasive plant by utilizing its composted material in forest management strategies.