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Plant Science Today (PST)

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A critical review on status, impacts and management strategies of invasive alien plant species in the Indian Himalayan region

DOI
https://doi.org/10.14719/pst.13000
Submitted
29 November 2025
Published
28-07-2026
Versions

Abstract

Invasive alien plant species (IAPs) pose a significant threat to the unique biodiversity of the Indian Himalayan region (IHR). This systematic review examines the introduction, characteristics, invasion process and driving forces of IAPs in the IHR region. This review revealed that globalisation, land use and land cover changes and climate change are the primary factors facilitating the spread of IAPs in the region. The most prevalent invasive species in the IHR included Parthenium hysterophorus L., Lantana camara L., Ageratina adenophora (Spreng.) R.M.King & H. Rob. and Ageratum conyzoides L. The review revealed that the IHR contains a substantial number of invasive alien plants, totalling 190 invasive species across 112 genera, predominantly herbs (77 %), with Asteraceae, Poaceae and Brassicaceae as the dominant families. These species have detrimental effects on native flora, ecosystem function and socioeconomic conditions. This review also discusses the viability and challenges associated with current control methods, which encompass physical, chemical and biological approaches. Furthermore, it also identifies research gaps and proposes a multi-step framework to enhance research outcomes and assist in formulating management plans for IAPs in the IHR under changing climatic conditions. These findings emphasise the need for comprehensive and coordinated strategies, such as preventing new introductions, early detection and landscape-level management to effectively control IAPs in the ecologically sensitive regions of the IHR.

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