Abstract
Occurrence, coverage and chemical constituents of aquatic flora were studied in two Indian ponds over a period of 39-month in order to gain an insight into their associations and infestation for implications in conservation and management. Species diversity was recorded in presence of two invasive species (Alternanthera philoxeroides (Martius) Griseb. and Lemna aequinoctialis Welwitsch). These species should be managed in view of their beneficial uses. Nymphaea pubescens Willd, a threatened species, was recorded. Positive association of Nymphoides hydrophylla (Loureiro) O. Kuntze with Alternanthera philoxeroides and Vallisneria spiralis L. showed that spatially separated habitats are useful for conservation. Azolla pinnata R. Brown, an useful species and Rotala rotundifolia (F. Hamilton ex Roxburgh) Koehne, an uncommon species, were able to produce high coverage in their brief occurrence - important for their conservation. Similar feature as observed in Cladophora glomerata (L.) Kütz and Hydrodictyon reticulatum (L.) Lagerh. is useful for management of these species due to their negative impacts. Key words: Aquatic flora, Species composition, Occurrence, Coverage, Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Management DOI: 10.3329/bjpt.v14i1.519 Bangladesh J. Plant Taxon. 14(1): 13-24, 2007 (June)
Highlights
The State of West Bengal of India harbors nearly 57,000 small ponds. These ecosystems support 380 aquatic plant species belonging to 176 genera and 81 families which represent about 60% of the diversity of the Indian aquatic vascular plants (Cook 1996, Ghosh 2005)
In view of the importance of aquatic plants, a baseline data on monthly variation in occurrence, phenology, coverage and nutrient contents of various species of aquatic flora found in two ponds near Kolkata, West Bengal were collected over a period of three years and three months in order to gain an insight into their conservation and management options or strategies
Occurrence of plant species ≥ 50% of the study period was considered to be the dominant flora while the rest was regarded as less dominant ones
Summary
The State of West Bengal of India harbors nearly 57,000 small ponds (individual surface area < 2.25 ha). In view of the importance of aquatic plants, a baseline data on monthly variation in occurrence, phenology, coverage and nutrient contents of various species of aquatic flora found in two ponds near Kolkata, West Bengal were collected over a period of three years and three months in order to gain an insight into their conservation and management options or strategies. Less dominant Flora Azolla pinnata (13) Cladophora glomerata (5) Commelina benghalensis (28) Marsilea minuta (46) Nymphaea pubescens (49) Rotala rotundifolia (36) Trapa natans (8)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
