Effects of the abundance of parthenium hysterophorus On the composition and diversity of other herbaceous Plant species in Simanjiro rangeland, Tanzania
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Date
2020-05
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
ACADEMIA
Abstract
Parthenium hysterophorus is an annual herbaceous plant native to tropical America; and an
invasive plant in Africa causing distressing effects on natural flora. This study investigated the
effects of P. hysterophorus on the composition and diversity of native herbaceous plant species
in Simanjiro rangeland, Tanzania. Plant species count data were collected from 60 (1m2)
quadrats. Using generalized linear models (GLM), the abundance of P. hysterophorus was
regressed against the abundance and diversity of the native herbaceous plants. Also, Jaccard’s
similarity index was used to compare species composition. Results showed that there were 14
herbaceous plant species belonging to 13 genera and 10 families in the study area. Parthenium
hysterophorus was the most dominant species recorded. The abundance of P. hysterophorus has
a substantial negative effect on the abundance and diversity of other herbaceous plant species.
Moreover, Jaccard’s similarity index showed a slightly significant difference between the
infested and non-infested areas. This finding suggests that P. hysterophorus has a substantial
potential threat on other herbaceous flora which are sources of food and nutrients to livestock
and wild animals in the area. Thus, integrated management strategies are required to control
the weed from spreading to other nearby rangelands.
Description
Journal Article
Keywords
Dominant Species, Evenness, Invasive Weed, Richness
Citation
Leticia J. Musese, Samora M. Andrew, Deo D. Shirima, Arne Witt, Ramadhan Kilewa. (2020). “EFFECTS OF THE ABUNDANCE OF PARTHENIUM HYSTEROPHORUS ON THE COMPOSITION AND DIVERSITY OF OTHER HERBACEOUS PLANT SPECIES IN SIMANJIRO RANGELAND, TANZANIA.” International Journal of Engineering Technologies and Management Research, 7(5), 11-20. DOI: https://doi.org/10.29121/ijetmr.v7.i5.2020.631.