Ecological impact of phytoinvasions in Ukraine

Non-native plants that can cause adverse effects are otherwise known as invasive alien plant species which pose a major threat to plant biodiversity conservation and sustainability. This study is dedicated to determine the plant diversity and to assess the vulnerability of Quezon Protected Landscape, Southern Luzon, the Philippines to invasive alien plant species. Data from 90 10x10 m randomly established plots using the quadrat method showed that there are 318 plant species wherein 208 are native, 100 are non-native, and 10 are invasive. Results from the association of the physicochemical factors and the presence of invasive alien plant species through Spearman rho test revealed that most of the physicochemical factors have significant association except percent slope and hill shade. Soil pH, aspect and number of non-native plants show positive association while soil moisture, leaf litter thickness, elevation, species richness, species evenness, plot species diversity index, and the number of native plants signify negative association. Differences between the plots of with and without invasive alien plant species in physicochemical factors indicate that most of the physicochemical factors have a significant difference between plots of with and without invasive alien plant species except percent slope, hill shade, and aspect. Lastly, the MaxEnt model exemplifies that the most suitable predicted conditions for invasive alien plant species are at the edges of boundary and buffer zones. This study implies that most of the physicochemical factors are linked to the presence of invasive alien plant species and Quezon Protected Landscape has a low vulnerability to invasive alien plant species invasion.

Invasive process of alien species is affected by not only the invaded habitats, but also the surrounding landscape matrix. Understanding the effects of landscape matrix on alien species is of great significance for controlling invasive alien species. We surveyed plant communities along the water-level fluctuating zone (WLFZ) of the Three Gorges Reservoir. Invasive status of alien plant species was evaluated. Totally 10 spatial scales of the surrounding landscape matrix in the scope of 2000 m (including WLFZ) were classified, and 14 landscape indices were applied to analyze the landscape matrix composition and configuration. Using the principal component analysis and correlation analysis, the effects of landscape matrix on the alien invasive plant species and associated scale effect were tested. Results showed that a total of 42 alien invasive plant species were found in the WLFZ, belonging to 17 families and 36 genera. Fuling was a dividing place to differentiate invasive species distribution. The number of the alien invasive species between Fuling and the Three Gorges Dam was found more than that between Fuling and Jiangjin. For the all scales (within 2000 m). The higher the landscape matrix fragmentation was, the more difficult the alien species invading. The higher landscape connectivity was, the easier the alien species invading. The effects of landscape matrix composition and configuration on the invasive plant diversity at large scales (1200-2000 m) was more significant than those at small scales (200-1000 m), in which landscape matrix composition and configuration at 1200-1400 m showed the strongest effect, demonstrating a significant spatial scale effect. Different invasive plant species showed the scale effects of landscape matrix composition and configuration. At all scales, Xanthium strumarium and Bidens frondosa showed weak correlations with landscape indices, but Bidens tripartita and Erigeron canadensis showed strong correlations. Landscape matrix was closely related to invasive plant species, and demonstrated a significant scale effect. The alien invasive plant species could be traced to the landscape matrix at large scales. Grassland and forest patches at the small scales could be used as the 'stepping stone' for the alien species transiting before they arrived at the WLFZ. In order to control alien plants in the WLFZ, land-use management and optimization should be strengthened at different scales of landscape matrix on the basis of enhancement of habitat management. A diversified comprehensive control for alien species should thus be taken into account.

Invasive alien plant species: From the molecular to the economic approach Invasive alien species (IAS) are plants, animals, pathogens and other organisms that are not natural in a certain ecosystem and that can cause economic or environmental damage or adversely affect human health (Ljubojevićet al., 2022) . Plant invasiveness is a globally recognized environmental and economic problem (Bang et al., 2022) . Today, the loss of biodiversity occurs due to intensive anthropogenic activities, like over-exploitation of species, urbanization and industrialization, environmental pollution, land-use shift, the introduction of IAS as well as climate change (Ren and Duan, 2017) . IAS introduction has many advantages and disadvantages, leading to numerous ecosystem services and disservices. Fostered by climate changes (Kariyawasam et al., 2019) and inherited (inner) ability to adapt to various conditions, IAS treat to suppress natural vegetation. Theoharides and Dukes (2007) defined four main stages of invasion: introduction, naturalization, colonization, and dispersal. Milanovićet al. (2020) stated that alien (especially invasive) plant species differ from native species in different morphological characteristics such as specific leaf area, height, seed size or flowering duration, where invasive species showed significant dominance in the investigated characteristics. A list of invasion-promoting traits is being amended as novel research is being conducted, from seed characteristics (Ljubojevićet al., 2021) to the whole-plant level (Bajwa et al., 2016) . With such high adaptive potential alien species develop traits that allow them to successfully cope with the changes in climate or habitats (Dukes and Mooney, 1999) . However, being very adaptive, fast-growing, and not infrequently highly ornamental, those species provide numerous ecosystem services. If viewed exclusively as 'weeds' then many resources would be invested in the eradication measures of invasive alien species, with little certainty about the desired outcome. Thus, this Research Topic gathered recent findings from around the world, providing insight into differences in gene expression, morphology, physiology and resource utilization by invasive alien species, that provided them with successful habitat invasion. As shown by (Nunes et al.) weedy invaders spread rapidly due to successful adaptation and naturalization, affecting both natural and agricultural ecosystems. One of the most invasive weed species in the sub-tropical and continental climate is Arundo donax L. from Poaceae family. Owing to the chemical and histological modifications, this species successfully inhabit the Mediterranean basin. Another invasion pathway includes soil Frontiers in Plant Science frontiersin.org 01

Due to the relevance of protected areas to the conservation of native biota, the magnitude of invasions and threats posed by alien plants are currently important issues for the preservation of these areas. The paper summarises data on invasive alien plant species presence in the most valuable protected areas in Poland, i.e. national parks (NPs). We investigated the distribution of invasive alien plant species and management attempts concerning those species. We analysed data obtained from 23 national parks originating from published and unpublished sources. Invasive plants were present in all protected areas analysed, from two to 42 species in a particular national park, and 68 in total. The most widely distributed species were: Impatiens parviflora (present in 19 NPs), I. glandulifera (17), Solidago gigantea (17), Reynoutria japonica (17), and Robinia pseudoacacia (16). The conducted analyses showed that the number of invasive species decreased with the higher altitude (asl) of the national park. The most often managed species were Impatiens glandulifera (being removed in seven NPs), I. parviflora (six), Padus serotina (four) and Quercus rubra (four). In the majority of NPs, control activities are limited to small areas and singular species, thus having an incidental character. Only in five objects (Białowieża NP, Biebrza NP, Kampinos NP, Tuchola NP, Wigry NP), management has been focused on several species. We conclude that a lack of comprehensive management of invasive plant species in the majority of national parks currently limits the effectiveness of IAS (invasive alien species) eradication. Exchange of expertise among protected areas, documenting best practice examples, synthesising lessons learnt in IAS management, as well as the development of minimum standards for invasive plants surveillance and management are pivotal.

The spread of invasive alien plants has considerable environmental and economic consequences, and is one of the most challenging ecological problems. The spread of invasive alien plant species depends largely on long-distance dispersal, which is typically linked with human activity. The increasing domination of the internet will have impacts upon almost all components of our lives, including potential consequences for the spread of invasive species. To determine whether the rise of Internet commerce has any consequences for the spread of invasive alien plant species, we studied the sale of thirteen of some of the most harmful Europe invasive alien plant species sold as decorative plants from twenty-eight large, well known gardening shops in Poland that sold both via the Internet and through traditional customer sales. We also analyzed temporal changes in the number of invasive plants sold in the largest Polish internet auction portal. When sold through the Internet invasive alien plant species were transported considerably longer distances than for traditional sales. For internet sales, seeds of invasive alien plant species were transported further than were live plants saplings; this was not the case for traditional sales. Also, with e-commerce the shape of distance distribution were flattened with low skewness comparing with traditional sale where the distributions were peaked and right-skewed. Thus, e-commerce created novel modes of long-distance dispersal, while traditional sale resembled more natural dispersal modes. Moreover, analysis of sale in the biggest Polish internet auction portal showed that the number of alien specimens sold via the internet has increased markedly over recent years. Therefore internet commerce is likely to increase the rate at which ecological communities become homogenized and increase spread of invasive species by increasing the rate of long distance dispersal.

Gymnocoronis spilanthoides

Abstract. Huda MK, Pasaribu N, Syamsuardi, Siregar ES. 2022. Diversity, risk and management feasibility of invasive alien plants in the border zone of Sicike-cike Nature Tourism Park, North Sumatra, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 23: 3156-3165. Invasive alien species (IAS) threaten native ecosystems and biota either directly or indirectly. Once colonizing, invasive plant species tend to dominate a landscape, hindering other native vegetation from growing. Thus, the invasion of alien plant species needs attention moreover in protected areas such as Nature Tourism Park (Taman Wisata Alam/TWA) Sicike-cike, Dairi District, North Sumatra, Indonesia. Besides its importance for nature conservation, TWA Sicike-cike is culturally essential for Pakpak Dairi ethnic community as well as economically for ecotourism. Yet, anecdotal evidence showed the presence of several invasive alien plants around the park. This study aimed to investigate the diversity and composition of invasive alien plants within the vegetation community in TWA Sicike-cike and to assess the risk value and management feasibility of the IAS. Purposive sampling using line transect method was conducted to collect data with a total of 120 observation plots established along 6 transects. Risk value was assessed based on invasiveness, impact and potential distribution. Management feasibility was assessed based on cost, current distribution and persistence. The results showed that Asteraceae was the most dominant family of invasive plants in the studied area with four species. At the species level, Imperata cylindrica was invasive alien plant species with the highest important value index (IVI) of 57.65% and a high-risk value of 235.8, followed by other species including Ageratum conyzoides, Chromolaena odorata, Clidemia hirta and Melastoma malabathricum. In terms of management feasibility, the existence of I. cylindrica is recommended for direct eradication, while other IAS management recommendations, included monitoring and area protection for further invasion by the species.

An unprotected vulnerable relict subtropical conifer—Keteleeria evelyniana: Its forests, populations, growth and endangerment by invasive alien plant species in China

Biological invasions are seen as a major threat to biodiversity at a global level, while the number of new invasions is increasing at an alarming rate. Raising the awareness of the public, academic world and policy makers about the dangers caused by invasive species, is essential for the creation of the support needed to implement and coordinate the policies necessary to address this problem. The aim of this study is to determine the level of local public awareness of the existence of these plant species, examine the public attitude towards alien invasive plant species and willingness to get involved in the prevention of their spreading. The survey was conducted in four nurseries on the territory of the City of Belgrade and the investigation dealt only with alien invasive woody plant species. Thirty customers were questioned in each of the four nurseries. The results show that local public is uninformed on the issue of invasive plant species. It is necessary to constantly and intensively raise their awareness of this issue, as well as the awareness of harmful consequences that may occur due to the uncontrolled spreading of alien invasive species. This refers not only to the population that visits the nurseries and buys the plants there and to those employed in plant production and selling, but also to the whole local public and decision makers.

Distribution and management of invasive alien plant species in protected areas in Central Europe

How to communicate on pests and invasive alien plants? Conclusions of the EPPO/CoE/IUCN‐ ISSG/DGAV/UC/ESAC Workshop

Invasive alien plant species have threatened the integrity of ecosystems and threatened biological integrity throughout the world. In the Nyika National Park, a number of alien invasive plant species have been reported. These invasive alien plants are reported to be very difficult that have caused adverse ecological, economic and social impact. The main objective of this study is to assess the environmental impact of plant invasive alien species in Nyika National Park in order to ascertain means of addressing the possible effects on the biodiversity. This study adopted an exploratory stance in order to answer the hypotheses where purposive and simple random sampling was used. Purposive sampling was only used to the staff of Nyika while simple random sampling was used to collect data from households surrounding Nyika National Park. The results revealed that invasive alien plant species have some ecological impacts of on the biodiversity of the Nyika National Park like change in physical habitats such as loss of native habitats, alteration of ground water regime, drying of rivers, loss of native species and alteration of biomass. The study would therefore be important to policy makers in guiding and development of policies and guidelines governing eradication of invasive alien plant species. The Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW) can form partnership with various stakeholders with a clearly stated intention of developing a relationship, based on collaboration to enhance the control of invading alien plant species and the best management practices.

Avian frugivores play a key role in seed dispersal of many plant species, including invasive alien plants. We assessed the effect of gut passage on the germination of selected invasive alien plant species in South Africa. Fruits of four fleshly-fruited invasive alien plant species: Solanum mauritianum, Cinnamomum camphora, Psidium guajava, and Morus alba, were fed to two species of indigenous turacos, Knysna (Tauraco corythaix) and purple-crested (Gallirex porphyreolophus) turacos, and to invasive rose-ringed parakeets (Psittacula krameri). Seed retention time was determined as this can influence both seed dispersal and germination success. Germination success of ingested seeds was compared with that of manually de-pulped seeds, as well as to seeds in whole fruit. The germination success of seeds of all the invasive plant species increased significantly after ingestion by both turaco species compared with seeds from whole fruits. Germination success of manually de-pulped seeds did not differ significantly from that of turaco ingested seeds. In contrast, seed passage through the digestive tract of rose-ringed parakeets significantly reduced germination success and viability of ingested invasive plant species. Our results suggest that Knysna and purple-crested turacos are legitimate seed dispersers of fleshy-fruited invasive plants, while rose-ringed parakeets are mainly seed predators. Although seed predation by rose-ringed parakeets negatively affects the reproductive success of these plants, it is unlikely that this will suppress the spread of these invasive alien plants in South Africa as they are already well established. Furthermore, they can facilitate dispersal by seed regurgitation and dropping uneaten fruits away from the parent plant. Similar trends could be expected for indigenous seeds that rose-ringed parakeets feed on and therefore these birds remain a negative influence within invaded ecosystems.

SummaryBiological invasions and climate warming are two major threats to the world's biodiversity. To date, their impacts have largely been considered independently, despite indications that climate warming may increase the success of many invasive alien species. We therefore set up an experiment to study competition between native and invasive alien plant species and the effects of climate warming thereon. Two highly invasive alien plant species in Belgium, each with a native competitor that dominated in invaded sites, were grown either together (1:1 mixtures) or in isolation (monocultures) at ambient and elevated temperature (+3°C) in climate‐controlled chambers. To detect possible mechanisms underlying the effects of competition and elevated temperature, we conducted a combined growth and nitrogen uptake analysis. In one pair, Senecio inaequidens – Plantago lanceolata (alien invasive – native), the alien species dominated in mixture, while in the other pair, Solidago gigantea – Epilobium hirsutum, the native species dominated. Climate warming reduced the invader dominance in the first species pair, but stimulated the suppressed invader in the latter. Many of the biomass responses for these two species pairs could be traced to the root‐specific nitrogen uptake capacity. The responses of the native‐invasive interaction to warming could not always be extrapolated from the monoculture responses, pointing to the necessity for experiments that take into account species interactions.

An alien species, which becomes established in natural or semi-natural ecosystems or habitas, is an agent of change and threatens native biological diversity. The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) declared in 1992, in which the issue on invasive alien species was raised, was ratified by the Indonesian Government in 1994. Protecting our biodiversity will be our moral obligation to comply with CBD. Inventory on the invasive alien plant species in Indonesia should be done by field surveys aside from the data collected from the references and herbarium specimens. Field studies should be carried out to get complete figures, to identify the new ones, to determine their distributions, to plan their management including prevention to spread, containment and movement or mitigate their impact to environment. Sometimes it is difficult in determining whether the plants are aliens or not. Cooperation with botanists and taxonomists in other parts of the world is necessary. There are some species of invasive aliens plant in Indonesia, which have to be watched for their aggressiveness i.e. Acasia nilotica (L.) Willd. ex Del., Eupatorium sordidum Less., Jatropa gossipifolia L., Mikania micrantha Kunth, Mimosa pigra L., Opuntia sp., and Piper aduncum L. have to be watch for their aggressiveness. Notes on some important invasive alien plant species are discussed.