The invasion of Broussonetia papyrifera L. in modified habitats ofLahore [Pakistan] and response to clipping as a measure to control, itsspread
2004
Khan, A.U. | Iqbal, S.,Government Coll. Univ., Lahore (Pakistan).Dept. of Botany
Broussonetia papyrifera L. was not reported from Lahore, Pakistan,in the earlier half of the 20'h century but in the last 20 years it hasassumed dominance in modified landscape within the urban centre,whereas the out- skirts are still without it. It is a typical mesophyteand one would not expect it to assume dominance in this climate. Thereis little information regarding the growth strategies of this invasiveexotic, which lead to its establishment in the new habitats, created byman in this arid tract. Observation revealed that its life cycle,availability of dispersal agents, coincidence of early germination periodwith monsoon season, and pattern of vegetative reproduction helped thismesophytic plant to get firmly established in urban areas of this tract.Once it is established in a suitable area then by modifying the physicalconditions of this acid tract to its own existence it can out completeother natives and introduced species. Its dominance in these areas hascreated a nuisance for the park managers and horticulturists. Thecutting and clipping method used to control its spread has proven to beineffective. Clipping experiments in natural infestation suggests that itsability to produce prolific re-growth after several cuts and its ability toregenerate vegetatively from root suckers would require a more rigorouscutting regime to control the spread of this invasive species.
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