Invasive alien plant species: a threat to biodiversity and agriculture in Nepal.

Invasive alien plant species (IAPS) are a significant threat to agriculture, resulting in crop loss and increased production cost. Because of their detrimental effects on floral and faunal organisms and their ecosystems, they pose a significant threat to biodiversity. There are 219 species of alien flowering plants native to Nepal, 26 of which have been reported to be invasive with negative environmental impacts, including agricultural production. Four of them (Lantana camara L., Mikania micrantha Kunth, Chromolaena odorata (L.) King & Robb. and Eichhornia crassipes (Mart.) Solms) are among the 100 of the world's worst invasive alien species in agroecosystems and range lands. The current status and impacts of invasive alien plant species are discussed in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]