Growth Measurements of Invasive Plant Mikania micrantha Kunth (Mile a Minute Weed), A Threat of Biodiversity

Abstract

This study attempts to measure the growth of invasive plant species Mikania micrantha Kunth, which is considered as one among the top hundred worst invasive weeds worldwide. Seedlings of Mikania micrantha were propagated through vegetative part as well as seed for the study. The juvenile plants were allowed to grow on different hosts such as poles (nonliving support) and a garden plant (living support) in a soil that contains minimum requirements for growth. Growth of the seedlings was recorded daily by measuring the length of the stem, a number of twines and number of leaves for a growth period of fourteen days. The plants thrived on both types of support. The growth rate was higher in vegetatively propagated plants. It ensures re-growth even from a single node and is responsible for successful invasion of the weed after mechanical weeding.