Invasive alien plant species (IAPs) are one of the major threats to biodiversity conservation. Roads, both existing and newly constructed, facilitate the invasion process through their influence on habitat structure and anthropogenic interferences. However, the impact of roads are not uniform and varies with time and space. Understanding how the roads and forest structure influence the success of invasion forms the basis to devise the nature-based solution for noxious IAPs, such as Crofton Weed (Ageratania adenophora). In this study, we have explored how the roads and other ecological correlates affect the growth and performance of invasive Crofton weed. A systematic sampling was carried out in the hills of the Phulchowki, Kathmandu, by using 20 transects perpendicular to the road and parallel to each other. In each transect, three quadrats were laid at a distance of 15 m, 30 m, and 45 m from the center of the road. Soil samples were taken from the center while Crofton weed was harvested and dried at 105 °C for 24 h to calculate the biomass (dry biomass). Statistical analysis involved Ranked based linear mixed model and linear regression. The biomass of the invasive Crofton weed was significantly lower at 45 m distance compared to the quadrats at 15 m. The biomass was negatively associated with the canopy cover and electrical conductivity (EC) of soil while positively associated with soil pH. Managing the structural attributes of forest can offer solution against Crofton weed in a fine scale in the forest of the mountains.

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