Distribution And Composition Of Plant Species With Special Reference To Weeds In Temengor Lake, Perak

• Main Author: Razak, Nadia Ab.
• Format: Thesis
• Language: English
• Published: 2013
• Subjects: QH1 Natural history (General - Including nature conservation, geographical distribution)
• Online Access: http://eprints.usm.my/43849/1/Nadia%20Binti%20Ab.%20Razak24.pdf; http://eprints.usm.my/43849/

The aim of this research was to study the distribution and composition pattern of weed species at selected rivers in Temengor Lake, Perak. This study was conducted from 23rd November 2011 to 5th October 2012 by using line transect and quadrat methods. There were 20 sampling sites which were classified into two classes; disturbed (six sites) and pristine (14 sites) areas. Kruskal-Wallis H Test, indicated that there was significant differences (p<0.05) in the number of individuals for each weed species presence in the 20 sampling sites. One hundred and ninety two weed species were recorded at disturbed areas whereas 183 weed species were recorded at pristine areas. Weed cover percentages scale showed that Cyperus pilosus, Ludwigia hyssopifolia, Mikania micrantha and Mimosa pigra were the highest at disturbed areas whereas Clidermia hirta, Melastoma malabatrichum and Mikania micrantha were the highest at pristine areas. Among all weed species identified and recorded, nine species were considered as dominant species based on species presence percentages and Important Value Index (IVI). Among these nine species, Clidermia hirta (75%, 477.81) and Mikania micrantha (70%, 434.72) recorded the highest species presence percentages and IVI values in 15 and 14 sampling sites, respectively. Cluster Analysis revealed the similarities of soil factors, distribution and composition pattern of weed species and weed species presence between the sampling sites. Two main clustered were formed which then followed by isolating groups in each dendogram. Based on Pearson Correlation coefficient, there were three positive and three negative correlations between the numbers of weed species presence, total number of individuals, soil pH and soil water content in all sampling sites. Mimosa pigra infestation was highly populated at the river mouth of Enam River during low water level compared to high water level period.