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Range shifts are a key mechanism that species employ in response to climate change. Increasing global temperatures are driving species redistributions to cooler areas. Studies have documented climate change–induced shifts in species distributions. The range shift in three plant species, namely Bellis perennis L., Cannabis sativa L., and Portulaca oleracea L. to the Himalayan highlands of Ladakh, India, is reported for the first time. These species are not native to the region but have naturalized and are currently occurring as large natural populations at multiple sites. By providing detailed information on taxonomic descriptions, habitat characteristics, distribution maps, global distribution and ecology, the study aims to facilitate the identification of these species in the field which is required for early response and timely interventions to prevent them from becoming invasive in the natural habitats of the Himalayan region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new myxacoid species of Thaxterogaster sect. Vibratiles, Thaxterogaster carneus is described from the coniferous forests of Hirpora Wildlife Sanctuary in Kashmir Himalaya, India, based on morphological observations and molecular data of the nrDNA ITS and LSU regions. This species is morphologically distinguished from other species in section Vibratiles by the orange‐brown color of the pileus, the small spore size (X′ = 6.5 × 4 µm) with amygdaloid shape and verrucose ornamentation. The ITS sequence differed from other species by at least 13 substitutions and 10 indel positions, while the LSU sequence differed from other sequences at 12 positions by substitutions and indels. This is the first report of a species of Thaxterogaster sect. Vibratiles from the Indian subcontinent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the importance of spices in the global nutritional challenges has been understudied, our aim was to assess the arbuscular mycorrhizal diversity associated with one of the most expensive spices - Saffron (Crocus sativus) in the Kashmir Himalaya. We used both morphological and molecular approaches to characterize the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal (AMF) diversity associated with saffron targeting nuclear ribosomal DNA sequences. In order to capture the entire AMF diversity associated with saffron, we assessed the spore density and diversity in rhizospheric soils, and sampled roots from sampling sites spread across major saffron growing area of Kashmir overlying a grid map on the target fields. Genomic DNA was extracted from roots, amplified using nested PCR with two set of primers, sequenced and phylogenetically analysed. Based on morphological and molecular characterization, 15 different AMF species were found associated with saffron in Kashmir Himalaya, India. The most dominant species was Rhizophagus intraradices followed by Funneliformis mosseae, while the least dominant one was Acaulospora trappei. In view of the deteriorating quality and yield of saffron over the years in this Himalayan valley, tapping the beneficial soil microorganisms, such as AMF promises to be of help. The implications of these results for formulation of effective biofertilizers for improving yield and quality of saffron vis-à-vis regional nutritional security are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The endophytic diversity of a host plant has been shown to vary across various spatio-temporal scales and between different organs of a plant, but no such study has been carried out on the economically important plant Crocus sativus (saffron). To fill this knowledge gap, the present study was undertaken to document the diversity of culturable bacterial, actinomycete and fungal endophytes at multiple sites from vegetative and reproductive organs of C. sativus. A total of 1170 culturable endophytic isolates were recovered from 6480 tissue segments of C. sativus collected from six different study sites in Pampore region of Kashmir valley in India. These isolates were identified using 16S and ITS (internal transcribed spacer) rDNA barcode sequence analysis and were classified into 84 operational taxonomic units (OTUs), including 52 bacterial OTUs, 7 actinomycete OTUs and 25 fungal OTUs. The phylogenetic analysis of sequences separated them into four phyla, namely, Firmicutes (46%), Ascomycota (30%), Proteobacteria (16%) and Actinobacteria (8%). Significant differences were observed in the diversity of endophytic assemblages across various study sites and different plant organs (P ≤ 0.001). Species richness was highest at the Baroosa site and lowest at the Chandhar site while the Shannon index was highest at the Baroosa site and lowest at the Letpur site. Among organs, species richness was highest in stigma and lowest in leaf. Similarly, Shannon index was highest for root and lowest for leaf. Further, 15 culturable endophytic OTUs showed organ specificity. The present study is the first comprehensive report that not only brings out differences in the diversity of endophytes associated with different organs and at different sites but also highlights the complexity of host-endophyte interaction at multiple scales. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several alien plant species have been introduced into Kashmir Himalaya from different regions of the world and subsequently some of these have been able to colonize and become invasive. Why only some species among the alien species pool establish as strong invaders represents a fundamental question for invasion ecologists. Trait comparisons of invasive with less/non-invasive congeners help in understanding the role of various trait differences in invasion success. In this study, we investigated the differences in various phenological, physiological and morphological traits in three alien plant congeners (Amaranthus blitum Linn., A. caudatus Linn. and A. spinosus Linn.) which differ in their invasion status, and attempted to relate the trait differences to their differential invasion potential in Kashmir Himalaya. The results revealed that the more aggressive behavior of A. caudatus in contrast to other two congeneric species is more likely explained by its early and longer germination period, shorter pre-reproductive period, early and extended flowering period, shorter generation time, early life cycle completion, fast growth, high reproductive allocation, more height, inflorescence length and higher seed production. We expect this knowledge to yield theoretical as well as practical information, about the possible adaptive traits employed by the three alien species, to target their long term management in the Kashmir Himalaya. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In view of the mutualistic facilitation of invasive plants, we examined the mycorrhizal status of 469 species, including 335 alien and 134 native to the region of Kashmir Himalaya, India. Data on the mycorrhizal status and altitudinal range of the target species were obtained using some peer reviewed primary published and web based sources. One sample Z score test and regression analysis were performed to workout the relative proportion of mycorrhizal and non-mycorrhizal plants in different altitudinal belts and relationship of mycorrhizal symbiosis with increasing altitude, respectively. With increasing altitude, the mycorrhizal association of both the alien and native plant species showed a decreasing trend, although alien plant species showed much stronger negative values than native species do. Both aliens and native species showed significantly higher proportion of mycorrhizal species compared to non-mycorrhizal counterparts in all the vegetation zones (Temperate, Montane, Sub-alpine and Alpine). Interestingly, in none of the vegetation zones do aliens and natives differ in terms of their mycorrhizal and non-mycorrhizal species fractions, suggesting that change in mycorrhizal symbioses along any elevational gradient occurs more due to restrictions on mycorrhizal fungi survival than due to the identity of the species concerned. These trends call for further studies at wider geographical scales to better understand the mechanisms and implications of mycorrhizal associations for managementof alien plant invasion in such eco-climatically sensitive regions, especially in the context of climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presently alien species are invading least invaded areas largely because of anthropogenic activities. The distribution of alien plant species is determined by many factors and in mountainous areas altitude is one of the most important factors determining the distribution of plant species. In order to understand the role of roads in distribution of alien plant species along elevational gradient, two road transects were selected. These two road transects were divided into equally spaced altitudinal zones and at each site 3 plots were selected. A total of 200 species were recorded out of which 133 were native and 67 were alien. Total species richness decreased with altitude while as native species richness increased. Level of invasion expressed as proportion of alien plant species decreased with altitude in all the three plots. In addition, floristic similarity between plots decreased with increasing altitudinal difference. From the present study it is clear that alien plant species have not invaded the alpine areas to a large extent but anthropogenic activities like unplanned road development and promotion of tourism in the area is likely to threaten the uninvaded high altitude areas of the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Floristic composition and diversity patterns of vascular plants along an altitudinal transect (3300‒3900m a.s.l.) in relation to anthropogenic disturbance, edaphic variables and slope were studied in an alpine rangeland of Gurez valley, Kashmir. A total of 111 plant species belonging to 36 families and 86 genera were recorded over 245 quadrats that were placed at seven sites. Evaluated on species richness, diversity (alpha and beta) and composition was negatively correlated to altitude, though the relationship was not monotonic. Matching the changes in floristic composition and richness to various environmental variables through canonical correspondence analysis further strengthened the importance of altitude in influencing species composition. Species tolerant of trampling and other disturbances were dominant at largely disturbed lower altitudes (<3500m) while at higher altitudes (>3700m) their dominance decreased considerably, suggesting that anthropogenic disturbance is also important in influencing species composition. Our results showed that species turnover rates were high at higher (>3500m) altitudes. The study provides an insight on the plant composition of this region and accentuates the need for its proper conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The original version has been corrected. Correction to: Site and Organ-Specific Culture-Dependent Endophytic Diversity of Crocus sativus L. (Saffron) in Kashmir Himalaya, India The original article can be found online at https://doi.org/10.1007/s00248-021-01817-5 B Correction to: Microbial Ecology b https://doi.org/10.1007/s00248-021-01817-5 Due to typesetting mistake, the bottom part of Figure 7e was inaccurately trimmed. [Extracted from the article]

The identity of Azolla species in the Kashmir Valley has been confusing, with most populations being reported as Azolla pinnata. Morphological evidence demonstrates that the species introduced to Kashmir is not A. pinnata, but rather Azolla cristata, a new species for the Kashmir Valley and a potentially problematic biological invader. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: Scientific literature on biological invasions in the developing world is currently scarce. India, a fast-globalizing country, faces a high risk of biological invasions. However, research and policy efforts on biological invasions in India are presently inadequate. Objectives: To propose an integrated research framework and policy agenda on biological invasions for India. Methods: The framework and agenda, drawn from research insights gained from plant invasion studies in the Kashmir Himalaya (India), adopts a stage-based model for characterization of invasive alien biota in India. Results: The research framework explicates crucial information on the origin, purpose and pathway of introduction, residence time, species invasiveness, invasiveness elsewhere, habitat invasibility, latitudinal and altitudinal ranges and ecological and economic impacts of invasive species. The policy agenda highlights an urgent need for regulation of introduction pathways, prioritization of the worst invasive species, shifting from species- to biota-centric approaches, looking beyond political borders, forging interdisciplinary collaboration, launching a national network, and generating public awareness. Conclusions: Adoption of such an integrated framework and agenda in India, and in other developing countries, can significantly fill the geographical knowledge gaps in invasion biology research—which is crucial in winning the global battle against harmful biological invasions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Biodiversity inventories unravel insightful taxonomic and biogeographic patterns that provide valuable inputs in guiding conservation practices and policymaking. Here we present an updated inventory of the native and alien woody flora of the Kashmir Himalaya, India, together with analyses of the patterns of taxonomic composition, geographic distribution, and invasion status of the alien species. The data was assembled from the floristic literature of the last two centuries, supplemented with herbarium records and validated by field surveys over the past decade. In total, the woody flora comprised of 520 species; out of these 322 species were native and 198 alien, yielding a proportion of 38% aliens. Amongst the natives, 16 species are on the IUCN red list 2009. While 37 genera included both native and alien species indicating a potential for hybrid formation, only 15 families were represented by alien species exclusively. Regarding the invasion status, presently 37 alien woody species are naturalized and 7 are invasive in the region. The results show that the Kashmir Himalaya harbours a diverse woody flora. It is concluded that a distinction between the native and the alien flora, as adopted in the present study, is crucial for a meaningful analysis of any biodiversity patterns. We predict that in the near future many alien woody species, presently naturalized in the region, can become serious plant invaders, and therefore need further research efforts and timely management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Tropical Ecology is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

In view of being an important process in ecosystems and of great significance to ecological studies, net primary productivity, together with accumulation of plant dry matter and its transfer dynamics, was studied in two grasslands occurring at elevations of 1600 m (low elevation grassland) and 1950 m above mean sea level (high elevation grassland). Thirty eight species occurred at the low elevation grassland and 11 species were recorded at the high elevation grassland. Maximum aboveground live plant biomass in low elevation grassland was 422.00 g m-2 and the same in high elevation grassland was 2189.30 g m-2. Peak values of standing dead material in the two grasslands were 558.6 g m-2 and 2377.2 g m-2, respectively. The litter mass in the low elevation grassland ranged from a low of 156 g m-2 to a high of 1111 g m-2 while as the corresponding Values in the high elvation grassland were 840 g m-2 and 1590 g m-2, respectively. Belowground drymass was also higher (5016.50 g m-2 ) in high elevation grassland compared to low elevation grassland wherein peak belowground drymass was 1691.50 g m-2. Aboveground Net Productivity (ANP), Belowground Net productivity (BNP) and Total Net Productivity (TNP) values in the low elevation grassland were 1467.76 g m-2y-1, 1940.00 g m-2y-1, and 3408.21 g m-2y-1, respectively. The corresponding values in the high elevation grassland were 3088.69, 6072.50 and 9161.19 g m-2y-1. Of the total TNP, 43% and 34% were transferred to ANP in low- and high elevation grasslands, respectively. About 57% and 67% of TNP was transferred to BNP in the two grasslands. The turnover rates of aboveground live biomass and belowground biomass in the low elevation grassland were 3.48 and 1.58, respectively and the corresponding values in the high elevation grassland were 1.41. and 1.21. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In view of paramount significance of species diversity to community structure and function, the present study was aimed at a comparative assessment of plant species richness, evenness, and aggregate diversity of the Kashmir Himalayan grasslands occurring at different elevations. Rarefaction method that takes into account nonlinearity of species and area combined with a fitting procedure, and non-parametric estimators were used to compute the expected number of species. All the estimators of species richness used in the present study performed reasonably well, but the ICE (Incidence-based Coverage Estimator) and Chao2 were particularly useful even at low, sampling effort. Highest number of 26 species was recorded in the valley-plain grassland and lowest number of 17 species was recorded in the alpine grassland. Evenness and Shannon index of diversity, due to dominance of the grass Themeda anathera, in the sub-alpine grassland were lowest compared to the valley-plain and alpine grasslands. SHE analysis clearly indicated variable contribution of richness and evenness components to the aggregate measure of species diversity in these grasslands. Computation of the complementary of species composition between the grasslands, analysed through use of the different indices, revealed more or less distinct species assemblages in the grasslands. We suggest that a separate but simultaneous measurement of diversity components using standardized sampling protocols and appropriate diversity estimators, as adopted in the present study, are obligatory for clear understanding and better interpretation of the patterns of plant diversity in the natural plant communities, such as grasslands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The critically endangered and perennial alpine endemic angiosperms, namely, Aquilegia nivalis, Lagotis cashmeriana and Meconopsis latifolia inhabit such habitats in the Kashmir Himalaya that are characterised by short growing season and heavy snow cover for about 3–4 months during winter season. The seeds of these species under natural conditions experience a long period of pre-chilling during winter prior to their germination in following spring season. Taking cue from such a requirement, present study investigated the effect of chilling and exogenous application of growth hormones, NO3 − and NH4 + on total percent germination of otherwise deep-dormant seeds of these species, under alternate light/dark and continuous dark light regimes. Prolonged pre-chilling followed by treatment of seeds with different doses of GA3 had a pronounced stimulatory effect on the total germination percentage in all the three species. In fact, highest germination percentage in A. nivalis was recorded only when pre-chilled seeds were treated with 1.5 mM GA3 under alternate light/dark conditions. Likewise, germination of pre-chilled seeds of L. cashmeriana with ruptured seed coats was improved when treated with various concentrations of GA3. Seed germination in M. latifolia was also favourably influenced by treatment of pre-chilled seeds with GA3 or nitrogen applied either as NO3 − or as NH4 + under alternate light/dark conditions. Treatment of seeds with kinetin (6-furfuryl-aminopurine) had no significant influence on germination percentage in any of the three species. Thus, prolonged chilling of seeds followed by their treatment with GA3 under alternate light/dark conditions are the requirements necessary for seed germination in these species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Tropical Ecology is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

A continuing lack of consensus on the operational characterisation of alien invasive species (AIS) in invasion biology has hampered the integration of research results generated worldwide. This impedes our progress in devising sound management strategies to stem the tide of biological invasions. In this regard, we here use the neutral terminology model of Colautti and MacIsaac (Divers Distrib 10:135--141, 2004) (CM model) for the characterization of alien invasive flora of the Kashmir Himalaya, India; and more emphatically, expound the utility of such a stage-based operational framework in the management of plant invasions. Out of the total of 436 alien invasive plant species recorded in the region, the number of species belonging to invasion stages II, III, IVa, IVb and V was 119, 107, 56, 77 and 77 species, respectively. In terms of relative proportion of species belonging to the different invasion stages, trees dominated the Stage-V (31.25%), followed by aquatics, subshrubs, biennial herbs, perennial herbs, annual herbs and shrubs, in descending order. Based on the results obtained in the present investigation, and in an attempt to link the characterisation of AIS with the management of plant invasions, we here propose a hierarchical management framework based on prediction, prevention, prescription, and public awareness. While the present study focuses on plants only, the proposed management framework can be operationally used across different taxonomic groups, and within varied ecosystems, with potentially immense management implications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Whilst the importance of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in invasive spread of some alien plant species has been recently established, it is unclear how such plants respond to AMF from different geographical sources. Besides, influence of different co-occurring plant species on the AMF-mediated invasiveness of alien species, though rarely investigated, is pivotal to the explicit understanding of the feedback between arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and alien plant invasions. We therefore examined the influence of local (Kashmir Himalyan isolates) and foreign (isolates from Rajasthan, India) AMF on invasiveness of alien Anthemis cotula vis-à-vis the effect of three common co-occurring neighbours, Conyza canadensis, Galinsoga parviflora and Sisymbrium loeselii. Field studies revealed high incidence of Arum-type mycorrhizal colonization in natural populations of A. cotula and the pot trials confirmed the reliance of its invasiveness on AMF with the more favourable effect of local than foreign AMF. The mycorrhizal colonization intensity in field populations of A. cotula was strongly influenced by neighbour identity with major reduction recorded in the presence of S. loeselii (a cruciferous non-host) in comparison to other con-familial neighbours. Pot experiments confirmed the differential effect of co-occurring species on A. cotula''s invasive traits. These results signify that the facilitative role of AMF communities in invasion by some alien plants is contingent upon neighbour identity and the present approach provides not only a framework for further examination of the invasive plant–soil biota feedback, but also many important management implications. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Management strategies designed and implemented by practitioners to conserve threatened species must be based on an empirical impact assessment of operative threats. The present study was carried out to assess the Overall Threat Impact (OTI) on 94 high-valued medicinal plant species of Kashmir Himalaya, India. The results show that 13 major anthropogenic threats to these medicinal plants are currently operative in this Himalayan region. It was revealed that 57, 10, 10, and 17 medicinal plant species experience Low, Medium, High and Very High OTI, respectively. Of the total species assessed, 56 are endemic to the Himalaya; and of these 11 narrow endemic species to the Western Himalaya (e.g. Aconitum heterophyllum, Aquilegia nivalis, Atropa acuminata) currently face Very High OTI in the region. Overall, anthropogenic drivers such as over-exploitation for local use, overgrazing, landslides/soil erosion are the major threats to the medicinal plants of this region. These high-valued medicinal plants experience a multitude of threats either singly or in various combinations and maximum number of species face the twin threats of overgrazing and over-exploitation. The present study highlights that 37 medicinal plant species of this ecologically fragile Himalayan region, which fall under Medium to Very High OTI, warrant urgent conservation action for their long-term survival and sustainable use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article focuses on a study which indicates that release from native herbivory together with relief from alien mycorrhizal mutualists synergistically promote invasiveness of an exotic species in Kashmir Himalaya in India. The fast-spreading species of Anthemis cotula, an annual herbacious plant, is emerging as a major threat to the native biodiversity and ecosystem processes in the Himalayan valley of Kashmir.

The article discusses the plant invasion of Leucanthemum vulgare Lam. in Kashmir Valley, India. It accounts the detrimental presence of L. vulgare plant, also known as ox-eye daisy in the valley, intentionally introduced in the area as an ornamental plant. It also explores the effects of the L. vulgare invasion into the other plant species, further regarding on ways to control the invasive alien species.

Abstract: Background: Many studies have shown that alien species richness pattern follows that of native species richness patterns along environmental gradients, without taking the specific composition of the two groups into account. Objectives: To compare species richness patterns of native and alien woody plants along an altitudinal gradient in Kashmir Himalaya, India, and to analyse the specific composition, e.g. proportion of life forms. Methods: Analysis of secondary data from published floristic inventories. The gradient (500–4800m asl) was split into 100m bands and presence/absence data for each species were obtained, for each band. Results: Species richness of both native and alien species followed a hump-shaped distribution. Alien species richness dropped faster above 2000masl than the native did. The ratio of trees to shrubs decreased monotonically along the gradient in native species, but showed a peak at c. 2500masl in alien species. Alien species flowered in average earlier than native species. Conclusions: The change of species richness of native and alien species along altitude is similar, but the proportion of life forms is not. Most likely both climatic and socio-economic factors affect alien species richness and its specific composition in the Kashmir Himalaya. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In this article the authors offer their views on the Common Wealth Games (CWG) 2010 hosted by India. The authors are critical on the distinctive feature of the CWG that emphasizes the significance of the environment and the aim to be remembered as the first-ever green games. The required vigilant ecological monitoring to prevent inadvertent and deliberate introduction of invasive alien species (IAS) is also presented.

The capacity of Lemna minor to remediate toxic heavy metals from wastewater is reasonably well documented. In view of the pivotal role of this species in the environmental clean-up, here we evaluated the bioaccumulation potential of L. minor for cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and nickel (Ni) through a controlled experiment. L. minor tolerated the metals Cd, Ni, and Pb up to 0.5, 5, and 8 mg/L, respectively, and beyond these concentrations the toxicity symptoms appeared. Bio-concentration factor varied at different concentrations of heavy metals tested. Overall, L. minor showed good phytoremediation potential for all the three tested heavy metals (Cd, Ni, and Pb), though in relative terms it was more effective in extracting Ni and Cd, as compared to Pb, both in single and mixed concentrations. In view of the growing pollution in Kashmir Himalayan aquatic habitats the phytoremediation by invasive species such as L. minor promises to be one of the best choices than other native plants for cleaning up of polluted soils/water because of its fast growth rate, high abundance, easy handling, and wide distribution in Kashmir Himalayan aquatic ecosystems.

Heavy metals are an important class of pollutants with both lethal and sublethal effects on organisms. Wetlands are cheap natural alternatives for removal of heavy metals from soils; however, wetland plants vary greatly in their degree of metal uptake. Hokersar wetland, a Ramsar site of Kashmir Himalaya, India is a game reserve of international importance that provides suitable habitat for resident birds and an excellent stopover point for migratory birds visiting from Palaearctic breeding grounds in Central Asia, China, N-Europe and Siberia. The toxicity of chronic dietary metal exposure in birds may have adverse reproductive effects which include decreased egg production, decreased hatchability, and increased hatchling mortality. Thus, the present study aimed to assess the heavy metal sequestration capability of one of the most common wetland plant species Phragmites australis in Hokersar wetland. The accumulation of the different elements was in order of Al > Mn > Ba > Zn > Cu > Pb > Mo > Co > Cr > Cd > Ni. Translocation factor, i.e. ratio of shoot to root metal concentration revealed that metals were largely retained in the roots of P. australis, thus reducing the supply of metals to avifauna and preventing their bio-accumulation.

The present study was undertaken to document the ectomycorrhizal diversity associated with the Cedrus deodara and Pinus wallichiana in the Kashmir Himalaya, India. The extensive field surveys carried out in the Kashmir Himalaya at five study sites resulted in the collection and identification of 76 potential ectomycorrhizal fungal species associated with the Cedrus deodara and Pinus wallichiana. Maximum 32 number of species were found associated with Pinus wallichiana, 19 with Cedrus deodara and 25 species were found growing in association with both the conifers. The present study reveals that Cedrus deodara and Pinus wallichiana in the Kashmir Himalaya, India harbour diverse ectomycorrhizal fungal species.

In view of the recently reported role of arbuscular mycorrhizas (AM) in plant invasions, we examined 63 alien plant species representing 26 families, collected from diverse habitat types in the Kashmir Himalaya, India, for the extent and type of their AM association. Based on the percent AM fungal root length colonization (% RLC), the investigated plants were categorized into five classes (class A = 0-5% RLC, class B = 6-25%, class C = 26-50%, class D = 51-75%, and class E = 76-100%). The number of species belonging to each of these classes was 7, 6, 22, 19, and 9, respectively. The AM colonization in 33 plant species was of Arum-type, 18 species was of Paris-type, and eight species harbored an intermediate type. Such baseline information on a large number of alien plants inhabiting diverse habitats in different biogeographical regions is needed for elucidating the role of AM fungi in alien plant invasions.