THE STATUS OF HIGHLY ALIEN INVASIVE PLANTS IN PAKISTAN AND THEIR IMPACT ON THE ECOSYSTEM: A REVIEW

Invasive alien species colonize the environment and are aggressively a mediator of change and threaten native biodiversity of Pakistan. Invasive species are the species that has been accidentally or intentionally introduced to a different habitat which may be any species, including its seeds, eggs, spores, or other biological material capable of propagating that species, that is not native to that ecosystem. The introduction of these species likely to cause economic or environmental harm or harm to human health. One day consultative workshop was held at NARC, Islamabad in Pakistan on 17 September 1999, to identify, evaluate, and rank non-native plants that threaten the ecological integrity of wildlands and cropping systems. The focus was on species that are already established in areas that support native ecosystems, such as parks, reserves, wildlife areas, national forests, and rangelands.  Fourteen plant species have been identified through a one-day consultative workshop on Alien Invasive Species.  These plant species include trees and shrubs mainly as well as aquatic plant species.  Key words:- species ,plants , invasive , plant , alien , pollen

Anisochilus carnosus (L. f.) Wall. ex Benth. (Lamiaceae) – a new generic record for Pakistan

During an exploration of Gadoon area in district Swabi, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa a specimen of Anisochilus carnosus (L. f.) Wall. ex Benth. was collected which represents a new plant record for Pakistan. Its description and illustrations are provided for easy identification

Phenotypic Diversity among Fennel (Foeniculum Vulgare) Germplasm of Pakistan

Fennel is facing continuous challenge with reference to biotic and abiotic stresses that can be solved with the knowledge of available germplasm of fennel in the country or worldwide. Selection of fennel genotype on the basis of research interest can never been accomplished without gene pool. The aim of the present study was to explore the phenotypic diversity among selective fennel accession and identify lines having high yielding potential. In the present study thirty fennel accessions were sown in PGRI, NARC. Irrigation practice was carried out during the growing period. Data was recorded during different growth stages and after harvesting. Nine morphological parameters under study include plant height, number of umbels/plant, umbel diameter, rays produced/umbel, fruits produced/umble, fruit color and fruit shape. Statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA, Tukey Honest Significance Test and Multivariate cluster Analysis using Minitab Software version 20.0. High diversity was observed among the quantitative traits of thirty accessions. Qualitative traits of accessions from similar region had considerable resemblance. Fennel germplasm collected from Punjab gives outstanding performance with reference to phenotypic traits. Accessions were identified as potential sources including: 21293 (maximum plant height, Punjab, Jhang, Chiniot), 21209 ( great height, Punjab, Faisalabad), 21737 (short height, Punjab, Layyah, Karore Chak-84) 21699 (maximum number of rays/umbel, Punjab, Pakpattan) and 21722 (maximum number of umbels , Punjab, Narowal, Talwandi Bhandran in short 21722 due to high yield was identified as potential sources to be included in future breeding programs for the improvement of fennel varieties