Abstract
Demographic studies of Gynandropsis gynandra (L.) Briq. was carried out for two consecutive years 2012 and 2013. Site was totally undisturbed in 2012 but found to be highly disturbed in 2013. Therefore, the present study evaluates the impact of anthropogenic and grazing disturbance on Gynandropsis gynandra (L.) Briq. during these years. Plants in both the years exhibited Deevey Type I survivorship curve showing increased mortality towards the end of their life. However, species richness declined in year 2013 for towards the adverse impact of disturbance. Disturbance also attributed for low plant height and decline in the overall reproductive output in year 2013. Trends of biomass allocation in G. gynandra revealed maximum expenditure towards vegetative growth which stayed consistent throughout their life cycle and just a small part of resources to reproductive growth in the initial weeks, constituting for fitness strategy under harsh environment.
