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<p>The present study was performed to assess variations in morphological and functional traits of seed and ramet derived plants of invasive perennial herb <i>Ageratina adenophora</i>, to determine whether differences existed between plant derivations and how these attributes contribute to the species’ persistence in a moist temperate forest habitat. Data were collected from <i>A. adenophora</i> invaded Cypress forest (<i>Cupressus torulosa</i> D.Don) in the Manora Range of Nainital Forest Division, Uttarakhand. Populations of <i>A. adenophora</i> were sampled for their density, morpho-physiological, and reproductive traits. Seed derived plants were identified as individuals emerging singly from soil without any visible connection to other plants, while ramet derived plants were recognized as those connected to parent plants through stolons or exhibiting clonal clustering. The result showed that the density of <i>A. adenophora</i> was greater for seed derived plants; however, capitula numbers were greater for ramet derived plants. In seed borne plants, biomass allocation to different plant organs was in the order: stem (61.7%) &gt; root (15.9%) &gt; leaf (14.4%) &gt; capitulum (8.1%) whereas, in ramet derived plants, the order was: root (43.7%) &gt; stem (42.7%) &gt; leaf (7.0%) &gt; capitulum (6.5%). Root:shoot ratio (R:S) was 81% higher in ramet derived plants than the seed borne plant (<i>p</i> = 0.00). Leaf area and specific leaf area were comparatively higher in seed derived plants than the ramet derived plants. Reproductive index was 15.7% higher in ramet derived plants than seed borne plants. Our findings highlight distinct trait based strategies that drive invasion success of <i>A. adenophora</i>, with ramet derived plants exhibiting superior resource acquisition and regeneration. This functional differentiation enhances adaptability and persistence in invaded habitats. These insights provide a foundation for targeted management strategies, such as disrupting clonal networks to weaken vegetative spread and resource sharing among ramets, thereby increasing plant susceptibility to environmental stress. Additionally, selective resource limitation through controlled soil amendments, water management, and native species restoration can further suppress <i>A. adenophora</i> while minimizing adverse effects on native vegetation.</p>

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Trait variations in seed and ramet derived population of invasive Ageratina adenophora in moist temperate forest of Kumaun Himalaya, India

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年12月24日

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  • Kavita Khatri,
  • Barsha Bisht,
  • Bhawna Negi,
  • Kiran Bargali,
  • Surendra Singh Bargali

摘要

The present study was performed to assess variations in morphological and functional traits of seed and ramet derived plants of invasive perennial herb Ageratina adenophora, to determine whether differences existed between plant derivations and how these attributes contribute to the species’ persistence in a moist temperate forest habitat. Data were collected from A. adenophora invaded Cypress forest (Cupressus torulosa D.Don) in the Manora Range of Nainital Forest Division, Uttarakhand. Populations of A. adenophora were sampled for their density, morpho-physiological, and reproductive traits. Seed derived plants were identified as individuals emerging singly from soil without any visible connection to other plants, while ramet derived plants were recognized as those connected to parent plants through stolons or exhibiting clonal clustering. The result showed that the density of A. adenophora was greater for seed derived plants; however, capitula numbers were greater for ramet derived plants. In seed borne plants, biomass allocation to different plant organs was in the order: stem (61.7%) > root (15.9%) > leaf (14.4%) > capitulum (8.1%) whereas, in ramet derived plants, the order was: root (43.7%) > stem (42.7%) > leaf (7.0%) > capitulum (6.5%). Root:shoot ratio (R:S) was 81% higher in ramet derived plants than the seed borne plant (p = 0.00). Leaf area and specific leaf area were comparatively higher in seed derived plants than the ramet derived plants. Reproductive index was 15.7% higher in ramet derived plants than seed borne plants. Our findings highlight distinct trait based strategies that drive invasion success of A. adenophora, with ramet derived plants exhibiting superior resource acquisition and regeneration. This functional differentiation enhances adaptability and persistence in invaded habitats. These insights provide a foundation for targeted management strategies, such as disrupting clonal networks to weaken vegetative spread and resource sharing among ramets, thereby increasing plant susceptibility to environmental stress. Additionally, selective resource limitation through controlled soil amendments, water management, and native species restoration can further suppress A. adenophora while minimizing adverse effects on native vegetation.