Research Projects

The Himalayan foothills are among the most ecologically sensitive and biologically rich zones in India, characterized by diverse climatic conditions, complex topography, and high levels of endemism [1]. In order to sustain essential ecosystem functions, including water control, carbon sequestration, biodiversity protection, and indigenous populations' livelihoods, these landscapes serve as a crucial ecological transition zone between the Indo-Gangetic plains and the Greater Himalayas [2]. However, anthropogenic disturbances, climate change, and especially the invasion of alien plant species (IAPS) have put these ecosystems under more stress in recent decades [3]. One of the most aggressive and pervasive of these IAPS is Lantana camara, a neotropical shrub that was brought to the Indian subcontinent during colonial times and has since spread widely throughout forests, grasslands, and degraded areas [4]. Lantana, a dense, impenetrable thicket, dominates native vegetation by monopolizing resources like light, nutrients, and soil moisture [5]. Its allelopathic qualities prevent native plant species from germinating and growing [4], causing significant changes in forest dynamics in the foothills of the Western Himalayas. This disturbance lowers species richness, biodiversity, ecosystem functioning, decreases carbon sinks and increases forest fire frequency [6]. Despite efforts to manage Lantana through chemical treatments, mechanical removal, and hand uprooting, these methods are often temporary, expensive, time-consuming, and environmentally unsustainable [6]. Leveraging the competitive power of native tree species, which can naturally resist or suppress Lantana, offers an ecologically sound and economical long-term solution. Restoring ecological balance through native plants is crucial for managing invasive species and promoting sustainable forest regeneration [4]. This study aims to address this urgent need by screening and evaluating the competitive ability of selected native tree species seedlings against Lantana invasion in the Western Himalayan foothills. The study will evaluate germination success, growth characteristics, biomass accumulation, and resource competition indicators (residue characteristics and secondary metabolite production for any sort of allelopathic interaction between an invasive and a native species… as well) using controlled pot experiments and field-based trials in Lantana-invaded and non-invaded areas. Finding robust native species that can effectively establish and flourish in the face of competitive stress is the ultimate goal in order to promote the recovery of natural forests. 1) Kumar et al. 2024. Intern Journ of Mol Sci 25(23), 12788 2) Devi et al. 2023. Agrof for Susta Intensi of Agri in Asia and Africa, 487-513 3) Lamsal et al., 2018. Ambio 47(6), 697-710 4) Sharma et al. 2005. Weed Biol and Manag 5(4), 157–165 5) Sundaram & Hiremath 2012. Biol Invas 14 1127–1141 6) Bhatt et al. 2012 Trop Ecol 53(3), 305–314