Allelopathic interference of Anthemis Cotula L an invasive alien weed

Abstract

Invasive species are thought to have major effects on the ecosystem structure and their functioning by influencing the native species diversity as well as soil nutrient dynamics which ultimately regulate the overall ecosystem productivity. The Kashmir region which is a distinct biogeographical part of the Indian Himalayas, covers ~15,978 km2 of the geographical area. Out of the total geographical area, ~64% are characterized by mountainous landscape along with deep elliptical bowl-shaped valley bounded by the Zanskar range of Greater Himalaya in the north and northeast whereas by the Pir Panjal range of Lesser Himalaya in the south and southwest regions. Anthemis cotula (popularly known as Dog fennel, Mayweed and/or Stinking chamomile; and belongs to family Asteraceae), is an invasive annual weed that emerged in Eurasia. It is problematic plant in the Mediterranean or Mediterranean-like climates. In the Kashmir Himalaya, the presence of this weed was first reported in 1972, and now considered as one of the damaging invaders in this region. It is widely distributed in the disturbed lands, as well as in the agriculture and forest lands where it poses several harmful ecological and economic impacts. Anthemis cotula favours moderately dry, warmer temperatures, alkaline pH, N-rich, and clay-loam soils. It is normally found on disturbed soils, roadsides, field margins, poorly drained places, along ditches, and in annual agricultural fields such as cereals and pulses. A. cotula have negative impact on soil system dynamics, including changes in physicochemical properties like soil bulk density, porosity, temperature, water availability, pH, electrical conductivity, organic matter, and microbial activity which further lead to alterations in the cycling of key nutrients such as N, K, P and organic C required for the plant and microbial growth. newline