MikaniamicranthaKunthis an invasive alien plant pervasive in an Indo-Burma global biodiversity hotspot, which can exert a major impact on biodiversity, agriculture, socioeconomy, and human health. The presentstudy attempts to evaluate the allelopathic effect of M. micrantha leaf aqueous extract on the germination of Pisum sativum L. (Pea). Major allelochemicals like total phenolic compounds (TPC) and tannins present in the leaves and flower extracts of M. micranthawere analyzed by spectrophotometry method. We also investigate the habitat attributes of M. micrantha infested site by analyzingsoil physicochemical characteristics, photosynthetically active radiation (PAR), leaf area index (LAI), and canopy openness. The results showed that M. micrantha aqueous extract inhibits P. sativum germination, biomass, plumule, and radicle length at all concentrations, with the highest inhibition observed at 25gL-1. The presence of allelochemicals (total phenolic content and tannins) in the extracts also demonstratesallelochemicthe potential of M. micrantha, thus, validatingthe ‘novel weapon hypothesis (NWH)’. Further in respect of abiotic environmental components, study area with high soil temperature, soil moisture content, water holding capacity, nitrogen, and potassium facilitated the invasive spreadof M. micrantha. This study concludes that novel disturbed habitats with increased availability of PAR, low LAI, and high canopy openness are more susceptible to invasion of M. micrantha. On the contrary, a pristine environment with low canopy openness and less anthropogenic disturbances are rather resistant tothe invasion of M. micrantha. Henceforth, an integrated study comprising site characteristics, soil chemistry, and bioassay is necessary to devise sustainable management of M. micrantha.To this end, the sustenance of dense canopy can be the most effective management strategy to control this worst global plant invader.
