Changes in Leaf Chemicals in Different Phenological Stages of Chromolaena odorata L. (King and Robinson) From Tripura.

Phenology and chemical composition of Chromolaena odorata leaf was investigated. This plant propagates both by sexual and vegetative means throughout the year. Chemical composition of leaf sample showed variations in different phenological stages of the plant growth. A high quantity of total carbohydrate (15.43 mg/gm DW) was observed in seed maturation and dispersal stage. Our result suggests that the vegetative stage of C. odorata is a source of high quality protein (5.1 mg/gm DW) and nitrogen (0.162 % DW) which could serve as a potential source of protein supplement.