Hydrophytic Diversity of Koppal District, Karnataka, India

By : M. Siddeshwari, K. Kotresha

Page No: 343-347

Abstract:
Aquatic plants are crucial components of food web dynamics. Water-loving plants, often known as macrophytes, they serve as permanent biological filters in the aquatic ecosystem. They oxygenate the water and provide food and shelter for all aquatic animals. The assessment of aquatic plant diversity was conducted in six water bodies of Koppal district, Karnataka, from August 2021 to December 2023. During the period of study, 36 macrophytes were identified which comes under 26 genera belonging to 23 families. 51.42 per cent of total plant species that were recorded fall into the category of marshy, followed by 17.14 per cent anchored floating, 14.28 per cent emergent hydrophytes, 8.5 per cent free f loating hydrophyte, 5.71 per cent submerged hydrophytes. The total plant species with their scientific name, family, habit, lifespan and collection numbers were presented. The structure of aquatic vegetation of lakes was changed by local inhabitants in various seasons as a result of nutrient enrichment due to their activities and sewage discharge in the water.

Authors:
M. Siddeshwari: Ph.D. Scholar, Taxonomic and Floristic Division, Department of Botany, Karnatak Science College, Karnatak University Constituent College, Karnataka,
K. Kotresha: Professor, Taxonomic and Floristic Division, Department of Botany, Karnatak Science College, Karnatak University Constituent College, Karnataka,
 

DOI: https://doi.org/10.32381/JPSR.2025.41.02.15