MORPHOLOGICAL CHARACTERIZATION AND ADAPTIVE TRAITS OF ALTERNANTHERA PHILOXEROIDES (ALLIGATOR WEED) IN DIFFERENT ENVIRONMENTS
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.64013/jpbab.v2025i1.49Keywords:
Alternanthera philoxeroides, Ecological invasion, Correlation, Regression analysis, Phenotypic plasticityAbstract
The focus of this research is to determine the morphological characterization of the Alligator Weed (Alternanthera philoxeroides) under different environments. The species is an invasive weed plant that has phenotypic plasticity, stress resistance, and ecological amplitude, which makes this plant a menace to ecological systems and crop production. Shooting Typology, which consists of several phenotypic descriptors including plant height, fresh plant weight (FPW), and dry plant weight (DPW), was used as a covariate to establish a relationship with biomass. The use of regression analysis, correlation analysis, and PCA ranked FPW and DPW as significant sources of variability with moderate secondary effects from plant height. Experiments undertaken in three field sites showed that conditions equivalent to Location 1 enhance biomass yield, while other sites displayed stress growth responses. Such a study supplements the source of information on the invasive ability of A. philoxeroides, particularly in relation to biomass production capability and ecological imperialism. It also estimated the usefulness of this weed as a fodder crop, especially in current times where resources are in short supply. The study is useful for developing appropriate management strategies for invasions by these species and the best way by which they can be used in agriculture and ecosystem rehabilitation. Subsequent studies should pay attention to the stability of trait correlations as determined by genetic factors and the physiological makeup of animals, and investigate specific environmental conditions that may exist to update the control strategies.
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