Alarming spread of invasive weeds: A qualitative assessment and scope for sustainable weed biomass utilization

Abstract

The introduction of indigenous or exotic weeds to the habitats outside their native range and their successful colonization is defined as biological invasion which ultimately poses threat to economy, environment and biodiversity. In the present study, the invasive plant species with special reference to the invasive plants in Salem District, Tamil Nadu, India and the possible threat to the local biodiversity by their invasion has been investigated. The study focused the rapid spread of invasive weeds, Alternanthera ficoidea (L.) P. Beauv., Alternanthera philoxeroides (Mart.) Griseb., Chromolaena odorata (L.) R.M.King & H.Rob., Ipomoea staphylina Roem. & Schult., Lantana camara L., Parthenium hysterophorus L. and Sesamum alatum Thonn. In view of the biodiversity threat by these invasive weeds, possible utilization of weedbiomass through vermicomposting is addressed.