Invasion of alligator weed (Alternanthera philoxeroides) in Wular Lake, Kashmir, India

Ather Masoodi,Fareed Khan

doi:10.3391/ai.2012.7.1.016

Abstract

Alligator weed Alternanthera philoxeroides (Mart.) Griseb (Amaranthaceae) is being reported for the first time from Kashmir, India. Alternanthera philoxeroides was collected in 2008 during the vegetation survey of Wular Lake, a wetland of international importance under Ramsar convention. Alternanthera philoxeroides is a noxious invasive weed widespread throughout the world. We suggested that all lakes and wetlands in the Kashmir valley are susceptible to this weed and its growth may assume destructive levels. The morphology and nomenclature of the species is described and illustrated.

Highlights

Invasive species have earned the distinction as the second greatest cause of species extinction (Drake et al 1989)
Control measures often come into play only after the alien species has spread to nuisance proportions (Boylen et al 2006)
Occurrence of alligator weed Alternanthera philoxeroides was recorded during the vegetation survey of Wular Lake (Figure 1)

Summary

Introduction

Invasive species have earned the distinction as the second greatest cause of species extinction (Drake et al 1989). In U.S alone the total annual economic damages and associated control costs due to invasive alien species have been estimated to be $138 billion (Pimentel et al 2000). Detection and timely exclusion are the most cost effective methods of controlling and preventing invasive species. Occurrence of alligator weed Alternanthera philoxeroides was recorded during the vegetation survey of Wular Lake (Figure 1).

Objectives

Results

Conclusion