A ISSN: 2594-3146 F

U Journal of Agriculture and Forestry University

Volume 2 2018

Agriculture and Forestry University Rampur, Chitwan ISSN: 2594-3146

Journal of Agriculture and Forestry University

Editor-in Chief Prof. Naba Raj Devkota, PhD

Managing Editor Prof. Bhuminand Devkota, PhD

Editorial Board Prof. Shrawan Kumar Sah, PhD Prof. Sunila Rai, PhD Prof. Madhav Prasad Pandey, PhD Prof. Balram Bhatta, PhD Prof. Arjun Kumar Shrestha, PhD Prof. Durga Devkota, PhD

Volume 2 2018 Frequency of Publication Annual

Editorial Policy A medium of publishing original scientific papers

Official Language English

ISSN 2594-3146

Subject of Interest Science, Animal Science, Veterinary Science, Forestry, and Social Science

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Correct citation: Authors detail with surname of first author, first name, followed by first name and surname of other authors in sequence (2018). Title of the article, Journal of AFU (Volume 2): pages, Agriculture and Forestry University, Chitwan, Nepal. Agriculture and Forestry University Rampur, Chitwan, Nepal

Journal of Agriculture and Forestry University (JAFU) Volume 2 2018 Review Articles 1. Association of nutritional status to reproductive performance in buffaloes 1-7 B. Devkota

2. Can organic materials supply enough nutrients to achieve food security? 9-21 J.Timsina

3. Current diagnostic techniques of Mycobacterium avium sub sp. paratuberculosis in 23-34 domestic ruminants S. Singh, I. P. Dhakal, U. M. Singh, and B. Devkota Research Articles 1. Effects of climate change on mountainous agricultural system in Makwanpur, Nepal 35-44 A. P. Subedi 2. Assessment of gender involvement and decisions in agriculture activities of rural Nepal 45-52 D. Devkota, I. P. Kadariya, A. Khatri-Chhetri, and N. R. Devkota 3. Gender roles in decision-making across the generation and ethnicity 53-62 D. Devkota and K. N. Pyakuryal 4. Out-migration and remittances in Nepal: Is this boon or bane? 63-72 R. R. Kattel and N. Upadhyay 5. Economic valuation of pollination service in Chitwan, Nepal 73-77 S. C. Dhakal 6. Behavioral practices of supply chain actors on quality maintenance of raw milk in Nepal 79-89 U. Tiwari and K. P. Paudel 7. Livelihood improvement through women empowerment for a broader transformation in 91-99 the way of living: A case of Churia area Y. Humagain and D. Devkota 8. Effect of organic and conventional nutrient management on leaf nutrient status of broad 101-105 leaf mustard (Brassica juncea var. rugosa) B. P. Bhattarai, K. P. Shing, S.M. Shakya, G. B. K.C., and Y. G. Khadka 9. Effect of planting dates of on the incidence of borer complex in Chitwan, Nepal 107-118 G. Bhandari, R. B. Thapa, Y. P. Giri, and H. K. Manandhar 10. Growth, yield and post-harvest quality of late season cauliflower grown at two ecological 119-126 zones of Nepal H. N. Giri, M. D. Sharma, R. B. Thapa, K. R. Pande, and B. B. Khatri 11. Efficacy of commercial insecticide for the management of tomato fruit borer,Helicoverpa 127-131 armigera hubner, on tomato in Chitwan, Nepal R. Regmi, S. Poudel, R. C. Regmi, and S. Poudel 12. Efficacy of novel insecticides against South American tomato leaf miner (Tuta absoluta 133-140 Meyrick) under plastic house condition in Kathmandu, Nepal R. Simkhada, R. B. Thapa, A. S. R. Bajracharya, and R. Regmi 13. Simulation of growth and yield of and wheat varieties under varied agronomic 141-156 management and changing climatic scenario under subtropical condition of Nepal S. Marahatta, R. Acharya, and P. P. Joshi 14. Wet season hybrid rice seed production in Nepal 157-163 S. N. Sah and Z. Xingian 15. Nutritional parameters in relation to reproductive performance in anestrus chauri (Yak 165-169 hybrid) around Jiri, Dolakha B. P. Gautam, B. Devkota, R. C. Sapkota, G. Gautam, and S. K. Sah 16. Changes in physiological and metabolic parameters of sheep (Ovis aries) during trans- 171-175 humance at western himlayan K. Bhatt, N. R. Devkota, I. C. P. Tiwari, and S. R. Barsila 17. Reproductive status and infertility in Chauries around Jiri, Dolakha 177-182 R. C. Sapkota, B. Devkota, B. P. Gautam, T. B. Rijal, G. R. Aryal, and S. K. Sah 18. Determining chemical constituents of the selected rangeland to help improve feed quality 183-189 under the context of climate change in the districts of Gandaki river basin S. Chaudhari and N. R. Devkota 19. Productivity and chemical composition of oat-legumes mixtures and legume monoculture 191-198 in southern subtropical plains, Nepal S. Dangi, N. R. Devkota, and S. R. Barsila 20. Effect of forced molting on post molt production performance of locally available 199-204 commercial laying chicken S. Sapkota, R. Shah, D. K. Chetri, and S. R. Barsila 21. Supply chain analysis of carp in Makwanpur, Chitwan and Nawalparasi districts of Nepal 205-210 K. Adhikari, S. Rai, D. K. Jha, and R. B. Mandal 22. Efficacy of tamoxifen on sex reversal of nile tilapia reochromis(O niloticus) 211-216 N. P. Pandit, R. Ranjan, R. Wagle, A. K. Yadav, N. R. Jaishi, and I. Singh Mahato 23. Performance of pangas (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus) under different densities in 217-224 cages suspended in earthen pond S. N. Mehta, S. K. Wagle, M. K. Shrestha, and N. P. Pandit 24. An assessment on abundance of aquatic invasive and their management in 225-230 Beeshazar lake, Chitwan A. Sharma, S. Bhattarai, and B. Bhatta 25. In the search of end products of commercially important medicinal plants: A case study of 231-239 yarsagumba (Ophiocordyceps sinensis) and bish (Aconitum spicatum) G. Kafle, I. Bhattarai (Sharma), M. Siwakoti, and A. K. Shrestha 26. Carbon stocks in Shorea robusta and Pinus roxburghii forests in Makawanpur district of 241-248 Nepal P. Ghimire, G. Kafle, and B. Bhatta Journal of Agriculture and Forestry University (2018), Vol. 2 : 225-230 225 Research Article AN ASSESSMENT ON ABUNDANCE OF AQUATIC INVASIVE PLANTS AND THEIR MANAGEMENT IN BEESHAZAR LAKE, CHITWAN

A. Sharma, S. Bhattarai*, and B. Bhatta Agriculture and Forestry University, Faculty of Forestry, Hetauda, Makwanpur

ABSTRACT Biological invasion have been a serious threat to global biodiversity, leading to global environmental change. These scenarios are well reflected even in the protected lakes. Invasion by the alien species has been the second leading problem, first being draining the water in Beeshazar Lake, Chitwan. The excessive growth of these species is probably due to the high nutrients level in the lake. Under these circumstances, this study was carried out to prepare checklist of alien , appraise species-wise status of aquatic invasive species, and document existing practices for controlling them in the Beeshazar Lake, Chitwan. Systematic sampling was used in which 39 plots, each with size of 1m × 1m, to count the grass species, were laid out at 58m interval. This process was facilitated by Arc GIS software. Frequency, relative frequency, and abundance of species were calculated to find the status of species. A total of six species were recorded among which Eichhornia was the most frequent (F=79.4; RF=35.6) and abundant, (A=18). As this research was done during dry season, species found during wet season were not considered. Mechanical control measure could be possible to control whereas invasive plants were pulled out manually, or by machine. However, growth of Ludwigia amd Lemna were challenged by this removal activity; Azolla and Argeratum were more or less affected whereasEichhornia , and Cyperus were not affected by this measure.

Key words: Aquatic invasive species, beeshazar lake, frequency, abundance, management.

INTRODUCTION Biological invasion have been a serious threat to global biodiversity leading to global environmental change. Many human activities accelerates the intentional and accidental spreads of species (agriculture, aquaculture, recreation, transport), disturbing the natural phenomena of dispersal (Vitousek et al. 1997). Control, prevention and eradication of biological invasions are the main factors to consider for the conservation of the environment worldwide. Invasive species disperse widely- colonizing and invading the native ecosystem, becoming very abundant and causing harm to the ecosystem; to its goods and services. The invasive alien species has ecological and evolutionary as well as economic impacts, especially in agriculture and forestry (Pimentel et al., 2000). Likewise, the alien species such as water hyacinth (Eichornia crassipes), Kumbhika (Pistia stratiotes), Karaute Jhar (Leersia hexandra), Mothe (Cyperus sp.) are the major hindrance for conservation of wetland in Nepal. Beeshazar and associated lakes is the important Ramsar area listed wetland, situated in the buffer zone of Chitwan National Park (CNP), adjacent to Khageri Canal, within the Barandabhar forest patch. Invasion by the alien species has been the second leading problem in the lake. Major part of the lake is visibly covered by these invasive species Public recreation opportunity and experiences have been severely degraded by rapid infestation of invasive species (Thomas, 2003). The lake therefore demands concerted attention towards a clear understanding of its ecosystem in order to mitigate further deterioration Many of the research and conservation are focused on the terrestrial invasion elsewhere. There is, currently, little information available about wetland invasive plants. This research focuses on creating the baseline for further research regarding quantification of invasive species, and for the updated information to the planners and policy makers for future planning. The main objective of this research was to recognize and list out the invasive plants encountered on the surface of the wetland; assess abundance of invasive plants contained in the lake, and determine their management practices implemented in the study area focusing to the Beeshazar Lake, Chitwan.

* Corresponding author: [email protected] information to the planners and policy makers for future planning. The main objective of this research was to recognize and list out the invasive plants encountered on the surface of the wetland; assess abundance of invasive plants contained in the lake, and determine their management practices implemented226 in the study area focusing to the Beeshazar Lake, Chitwan. Sharma et al.

MATERIALSMATERIALS AND AND METHODS METHODS StudyStudy Area Area Th is studyThis was study carried was carriedout in Beeshazarout in Beeshazar Lake whichLake which is situated is situated in Gitanagar, in Gitanagar, Chitwan Chitwan occupying occupying about 100about ha. 100 of ha.land. of land. It is Itan is extensive, an extensive, typical typical oxbow oxbow lake lake system system ofof the tropicaltropical Nepal Nepa innerl inner Terai, Terai, lying lying insideinside buffer buffer zone zone of Chitwanof Chitwan National National Park, Park, a World a HeritageWorld Heritage Site situatedSite situated in Gitanagar, in Gitanagar, Chitwan. TheChitwan. The KhageriKhageri River isis thethe main main natural natural drainage drainage of the of Beeshazaarthe Beeshazaar and Associated and Associated Lakes. TheLakes. main The source main of source water of waterthroughout throughout the year the is yearKhageri is K canalhageri and canal during and monsoon during season,monsoon precipitation season, precipitation increases the increases water level. the The water level.overall The catchment overall catchmentarea of the lakearea helpsof the in lake ground helps water in ground recharge. water recharge.

Figure Figure1. Map 1. of Map Beeshazar of Beeshazar Lake Lake

Data collection BothData prim collectionary and secondary data were collected in this study. Primary data were collected by direct field observation Both and primary key inforand secondarymants’ interview. data were Applyingcollected in point this study.intercept Primary method data, weresystematic collected sampling by direct was donefield covering observation total and of key 3% informants’ area, using interview. 1m × 1m Applying sized quadratepoint intercept, which method, was used systematic by following sampling wetland was resourcedone covering inventory total ofguidelines 3% area, using(Krebs 1m, 1999× 1m). sized There quadrate, were awhich total wasof 39used quadrates by following, each wetland in 58 resourcemeters gap (Figureinventory 2) .guidelines Number (Krebs,of quadrates 1999). andThere spacing were a betweentotal of 39them quadrates, were adjustedeach in 58 with meters the gaphelp (Figure of Arc 2). GIS Number of quadrates and spacing between them were adjusted with the help of Arc GIS software. Likewise, secondary data related to this study were collected through relevant literature survey- journals, publications, and reports of Beeshazar and associated lakes. Journal of Agriculture and Forestry University (2018), Vol. 2 227

Figure 2. Distribution of the sample plots in the study area Data analysis Data analysis For each species, data were analyzed to find frequency, relative frequency, and abundance. Quantitative parameters of floating invasive plants of Beeshazar Lake were determined (Curtis and McIntosh,1950). No. of sample units where the species occurred Frequency (F) = ×100% Total no. of sample units Frequency of one species Relative Frequency (RF) = ×1000% Sum total of all frequencies Total no. of individual of the species Abundance (A) = Noo. of sample plots in which they occur

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION RESULTS AND DISCUSSION A total of six invasive species, belonging to the Cyper six differentus Trapa genera Azollawere recorded in the study area (Table 1). Out of six species, three species, viz. Cyperus , Trapa and Azolla were native whereas remaining three species Table were1. List alien of aquatic (Table invasive2). species, in Beeshazar Lake, Chitwan

Table 1. List of aquatic invasive species, in Beeshazar Lake, Chitwan Botanical name Local name Common name Status Family Inference Eichhornia crassipes Jalkumbhi Water hyacinth WG Pontederiaceae - Leersia hexandra Karaute jhar southern cutgrass WG - Cyperus spp. Mauth jhar Sedge W Cyperaceae - Trapa quadrispinosa Singada Trapa WG Trapaceae - Azolla imbricate Bandaa jhar Water velvet WG Salviniaceae - Argeratum conyzoides Gande Goat / white weed W Asteraceae Appear on boggy surface Note: WG, Water grass; G, grass; W, Weed 228 Sharma et al. Table 2. Origin of the species in Beeshazar Lake, Chitwan Species Origin Eichhornia crassipes Alien (native to the Amazon basin) Leersia hexandra Alien ( native to Asia-Tropical, Africa, Southern America, Australia, Northern America and Asia-Temperate) Cyperus sp. Native Trapa quadrispinosa Native Azolla imbricate Native Argeratum conyzoides Alien( native to Tropical America, especially Brazil) (Source: GRIIS, 2017; GON, 2016) Frequencies of aquatic invasive species Eichhornia and Leersia were found the most frequently occurring species followed by Cyperus throughout the lake. Trapa was occasionally found whereas Azolla and Argeratum were rare (Table 3). Table 3. Frequency of species in Beeshazar Lake, Chitwan Species Frequency Relative Frequency (%) Eichhornia crassipes 79.4 35.63 Leersia hexandra 74.3 33.33 Cyperus spp. 51.2 22.99 Azolla imbricate 5.1 3.45 Trapa quadrispinosa 7.6 2.29 Ageratum conyzoides 5.1 2.29 Total 223.08 100

Abundance of aquatic invasive species Eichhornia and Leersia were highly abundant species in the lake. Moderate presence of Cyperus sp. was found whereas Trapa, Azolla and Argeratum were rarely present (Table 4). These species were more abundant towards the bank and side of lake, and less present in the centre where the depth of water was more. Decreasing water depth increases the presence of aquatic plants as well as marsh and wet meadow species in shallower waters, representing appropriate conditions for all species groups. Similar result was also found in the study done by Khanday (2015). Table 4. Abundance of species in Beeshazari Lake, Chitwan Species Abundance Eichhornia crassipes 18 Leersia hexandra 13.8 Cyperus sp. 8.9 Trapa quadrispinosa 2 Azolla imbricate 3.5 Argeratum conyzoides 2.5

Management efforts Management activities were performed by Beeshazar lake management committee and the National Park for more than 10 years. Physical removal of grass by labour was done, daily in Satrahajari and Beeshazar lakes. Two labors were hired for this work; they used to enter in the water on boat and manually pull the grass towards the bank. Boating is strictly prohibited inside the lake; it is done only for cleaning purpose. Removed grass from the water used to keep in the bank of lake, and some portion used to take for organic company, Jagatpur. These residues were used for making organic fertilizers, biochar. Budget for these activities came from donation of various organizations and the entry fee by the visitors. Annually, 10/12 hack of grass used Journal of Agriculture and Forestry University (2018), Vol. 2 229 to remove. Removal by machine was very rare activity, due to lack of humanresource and techniques. According to the key informant interviewed, "the lake was highly covered with these species until last 3 years; water hyacinth being the main covering species. However, at present, lake area is more open due to the daily removal activity. In wetlands of Tarai, Siwalik and Mid Hills, Eichhornia crassipes is the most problematic invasive alien plant species, disturbing the biodiversity and beauty of many Ramsar listed, or other wetlands (Shrestha, 2016); as is in the case of this study, where Beeshazar lake is mostly invaded by Eichhornia. This fact is also supported by Burlakoti (2006) in his study. E. crassipes was not reported in the earlier studies of Beeshazar Tal (BPP 1995, Bhandari, 1998a & 1998b). Its current dominance may be ascribing to its invasive nature and also its preference for highly eutrophic and stagnant water. Earlier studies revealed the fact that site management plan of Beeshazar lake (GON, 2010) and biodiversity profile of Beeshazar and associated lakes, Chitwan (Lamichhane et al.,2016) were equally dominated by other floating plants like Nelumbo nucifera (Red Kamal), Ipomoea carnea (Morning glory), and Ludwigia adscendens, Lemna sp. (Duckweed). But, in the case of winter period, as revealed from this study findings, the plants grown in wet season were not encountered. Ipomea carnea which only grows in wet season, was not present during this study period. According to Herbal Resource (2018), Lemna sp. (Duckweed) floats on the surface during the summer months, but sinks to the bottom in the fall and then rises to the surface when spring comes. The other two, in spite of being the perennial species, were absent due to the effect of management, i.e, they were removed faster than their germination period.

CONCLUSION A total of six species of aquatic invasive plants were found in the Beeshazar Lake. These species are floating plants on the surface. Eichhornia and Leersia were the most frequently occurring as well as highly abundant species with high invasion. Considering the whole lake scenario, Azolla and Argeratum were rarely found. The findings reveal that the most important species to be managed in the area are water hyacinth, Leersia, and sedge. High growth of these species reveals the productive nature of the lake, and decomposition of these species reduces the water quality as well as the core area of the lake, and promotes the encroachment of littoral vegetation. However, growth of some species (Ludwigia, Lemna) are challenged by removal activity- Azolla, Argeratum were more or less affected in their existence whereas Eichhornia, Leersia; and Cyperus species were not affected by this measure. This clearly signifies that current management practice is not sufficient for reduction of invasion by these species.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The authors are thankful to Mr. Santosh Bhattarai (Conservation Officer, NTNC, Chitwan), Dr. Bharat Babu Shrestha (Asso. Prof., Central Department of Botany, T.U.), Chitwan National Park, Debraj Sapkota (Chairman, Barandabhar Users' Committee) and Prativa Kaskshapati for creating suitable environment in the field and providing valuable information required for this research. The thanks are also owned to Saru Bastola, Simant Rimal, Minu Gautam, Shilpa Adhikari and Kamana Parajuli for their continuous assistance in the field.

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