Impact of <i>Parthenium hysterophorus</i> L. Invasion on Species Diversity of Cultivated Fields of Bilaspur (C.G.) India

In present study invasion of Parthenium hysterophorus L. and its impacts on agriculture fields will be done in different cultivated crops in Bilaspur. The present work deals with diversity and distribution of weeds species in cultivated fields of Bilaspur C.G. A total number of 28 species under 27 genera and 16 families was distributed in three study sites (Koni, Sakri & Kota) of cultivated fields in Bilaspur C.G. These study sites were located in different altitudinal zones responding different conditions in the this study. The number of species per sites ranged from 13 to 24. In the Sakri, number of species was ranged from 17 to 27, and the relative density of plant species ranged between 0.77 (Heteropogon contortus, Solanum surratense, Vernonia cinneria and Leucas aspera) and 22.92 (Parthenium hysterophorus). In the Kota, number of species was ranged from 14 to 28, and the relative density of plant species ranged between 0.85 (Ageratum conyzoides, Heteropogon contortus, Triticum aestivum) and 29.06 (Zea mays) and 30.91 (Parthenium hysterophorus). In the Agriculture field, number of species was ranged from 15 to 28, and the relative density of plant species ranged between 0.58 (Leucas aspera) and 26.23 (Triticum aestivum). Present work will give the information that weeds are harmful to herbs, crops and medicinal plants. Parthenium weed can suppress and crowd out other weed species, and could form a single dominant population in the invasion area, causing serious threat to plant community biological diversity.