Invasive Lantana Camara Research Articles

Miscellaneous prospects of invasive Lantana camara biomass-a standpoint on bioenergy generation and value addition.

Investigation of Lantana camara biomass for potential bioenergy generation integrates invasive species (IS) management with the unabated demand for bio-energy. In the present investigation, L. camara was used to produce bio-oil by thermochemical conversion (pyrolysis). The resultant product evinced energy yield of 62.58% with 64.95% of elemental carbon (C) content and endorsed the suitability of L. camara bio-oil for biofuel applications and value addition. Thermogravimetric (TG-DTG) analysis revealed a short thermal degradation profile, whereas spectroscopic analyses detected a host of organic compounds such as esters, phenols, ketones, aldehydes, aliphatics, and aromatics. The economic analysis of L. camara biomass conversion technology carried out in this study proved to be commercially competitive and viable versus petroleum refining. Antimicrobial and antioxidant assays with bio-oil evinced highest zone of inhibition (ZOI) against Candida albicans (31.02mm), and displayed strong antioxidant property (DPPH IC50 value 233.72 ± 0.2μg/ml). The bio-oil exhibited rheological characteristics of shear thinning and pseudoplastic fluid, particularly at low and intermediate shear rates. The present study highlights the multifaceted advantages of utilizing L. camara biomass, which include environmental remediation via waste management, bioenergy generation, and the feasibility of generating value-added products.

Impacts and status of Invasion by Lantana camara in natural forests of an Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot region- A case study in Mizoram, India

Invasion by Lantana camara represent a major threat for biodiversity and ecosystems functioning on a global scale. In this study, we investigated the ecological impact of Lantana camara invasion in natural forests of Mizoram. The sampling plots were implemented within six sites spread across the state and Lantana camara invasion were investigated along altitudinal gradient. In addition to the associated floristic inventory, we gathered the socio-economic utilization data. The results revealed that Lantana camara invasion cause adverse effects where it may result into suppression of various native plant species of invaded communities. The floristic and phytosociological assessment from Lantana camara invaded natural forests revealed a total of 74 species belonging to 68 genera and 30 families. Herbs were the dominant habit (60%) followed by shrubs (26.67%) and climbers (13.33%). The most dominant family was represented by Asteraceae with 18 species belonging to 16 genera. The general plant species diversity, density, richness and importance value index were reduced by the invasion of Lantana camara. Hence, based on the associated species present in the invaded study areas, forest management activities may be followed for the sustainable control measures to eliminate the spread of the invasive Lantana camara. This study recommends the imperative nature of effective Lantana camara management, particularly during the initial stages of invasion.

Modelling lantana camara invasion in the inkomati catchment in Mpumalanga, South Africa

Lantana Camara ranks among the most notorious and hazardous invasive species on the planet. There has been extensive research focusing on the remote sensing of Lantana Camara (L. Camara). However, the factors that facilitate its spread, especially in savanna rangelands, are not yet fully comprehended. The present research investigated the recent spatial distribution of L. Camara in the Inkomati catchment, Mpumalanga, South Africa. The research used the Random Forest classification algorithm, with Sentinel-2 remotely sensed data within Google Earth Engine. The study also modelled areas vulnerable to L. Camara invasion using the Maxent species distribution model. The study found that L. Camara covered approximately 34.86% of the entire study area, with a user's and a producer's accuracies of 91% and 84%, respectively. Additionally, elevation was identified as the most influential topographic variable on the species spatial distribution and invasion, while Topographic Wetness Index had the least influence. The model developed using topographic variables had the highest accuracy of 0.88. On the other hand, the predictive model that utilised Sentinel 2 bands had the least accuracy of 0.81. The red edge and NIR bands with Random Forest allowed for an accurate assessment of L. Camara distribution. The study therefore provides the basis for the control or further expansion of L. Camara species in the province.

Ecological and socioeconomic impacts of Lantana camara invasion: A case study in central India

The study investigates the impact of Lantana camara, an invasive alien species, on biodiversity, agricultural productivity, and non-timber forest products (NTFP) in central India. The aggressive growth and spread of the weed have resulted in the displacement of native flora and fauna, leading to substantial ecological and economic consequences. Regression analysis reveals a statistically significant negative correlation between proximity to Lantana camara infested plots and average annual crop loss, with closer proximity resulting in higher crop destruction. Additionally, a Wilcoxon signed-rank test confirms substantial reductions in NTFP collection post-infestation, highlighting significant economic losses for local communities reliant on these resources. The study also employs linear and non-linear regression analyses to assess the impact of Lantana camara infestation on species richness across various vegetation species, revealing a consistent negative effect on biodiversity. ANOVA and SIMPER analyses further corroborate these findings, indicating significant decreases in species richness, particularly among NTFP species. The results underscore the urgent need for effective management strategies to mitigate the adverse ecological and socioeconomic effects of Lantana camara invasions, emphasizing conservation efforts and sustainable practices to support the livelihoods of affected communities.

Perceptions, Knowledge, and Invasion Extent of Lantana camara on Household Yards in Rural Communities in Limpopo Province, South Africa

Studies on human perceptions of Lantana camara invasion are needed to inform management. This study used a two-pronged approach to assess perceptions, knowledge, and uses of L. camara in rural communities as well as evaluate its invasion extent in household yards of the Vhembe Biosphere Reserve, Limpopo province of South Africa. Results from 300 face-to-face household interviews and household ecological surveys showed that most villagers know of L. camara but are not aware that it is an invasive alien plant. Both people’s responses and ecological household yard surveys show that the plant is on properties and is expanding. Few benefits compared to negative impacts were mentioned. Local communities are implementing control measures; however, they need assistance from the government. The results highlight the need to incorporate local and individual clearing initiatives into the current broader national control programmes, such as the Working for Water clearing programme.

A structural equation modeling-based approach to identify the determinants of Lantana camara invasion in the Terai Arc Landscape, India

A structural equation modeling-based approach to identify the determinants of Lantana camara invasion in the Terai Arc Landscape, India

Investigating the phenology and interactions of competitive plant species co-occurring with invasive Lantana camara in Indian Himalayan Region

Invasive plant species are considered one of the significant drivers of habitat loss, leading to biodiversity loss. They have also been observed to alter the local ecology, resulting in a decline of native flora. The management of invasive species is widely recognised as one of the most severe challenges to biodiversity conservation. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) considers Lantana camara, as one of the ten worst weeds. Over time, native and indigenous species may evolve to co-exist or compete with invasive species, reducing invader fitness. It is observed that species competition fluctuates throughout environmental gradients, life phases, and abundances. Hence, competition outcome is very context-dependent. To address this challenge, we conducted a comprehensive study in three phases: we identified native species coexisting with Lantana in their natural habitats in the Doon Valley (Phase I) and documented the phenotypic traits of selected coexisting species using the Landmark BBCH (Biologische Bun-desantalt, Bundessortenamt und Chemische Industrie) scale, revealing the phenological growth patterns of selected co-existing species (Phase II). This was followed by conducting pot (Phase IIIa) and field (Phase IIIb) experiments to study the interactions between them. Notably, Justicia adhatoda, Broussonetia papyrifera, Pongamia pinnata, Urtica dioica and Bauhinia variegata demonstrated promising results in both pot and field conditions. Furthermore, after the mechanical removal of Lantana and prior to the plantation in the field experiments, four native grass species were introduced using the seed ball method. Among these, Pennisetum pedicellatum and Sorghum halpense exhibited prompt regeneration and effectively colonised the field, densely covering the cleared area. The study provides a comprehensive management plan for the restoration of Lantana affected areas through competition using native species. This study utilizes phenological assessment for native plant selection using reclamation from native grasses and proposes a management plan for combating invasive Lantana.

Ecophysiological trait differences between invasive Lantana camara L. and native Adhatoda vasica Nees. shrubs in the semi-arid region

Ecophysiological trait differences between invasive Lantana camara L. and native Adhatoda vasica Nees. shrubs in the semi-arid region

Spectral discrimination of invasive Lantana camara L. From co-occurring species

Spectral discrimination of invasive Lantana camara L. From co-occurring species

Patterns of understory invasion in invasive timber stands of a tropical sky island.

Current climate and land cover change threaten global mountaintops with increased spread of invasive species. Long-established plantations of invasive trees on these mountaintops can alter their surroundings, further increasing invader-facilitated invasion. Identifying the ecological conditions promoting such associations can help develop better management interventions. The Western Ghats's Shola Sky Islands (>1400 m MSL) host vast stretches of invasive tree plantations that sustain the colonization of other invasive woody, herbaceous, and fern species in their understories. Here, we analyzed vegetation and landscape variables from 232 systematically placed plots in randomly selected grids using non-metric multidimensional scaling and Phi coefficient approaches to examine patterns of association (positive interactions) between understory invasive species with specific invasive overstory species. We also conducted GLMM with zero inflation to determine the influence of environmental variables where such associations occur. We find that understory invasion of multiple species under the canopy of other invasives is widespread across the Shola Sky Islands. Stands of Eucalyptus host the colonization of 70% of non-native invasive species surveyed across the Shola Sky Islands. In particular, the Lantana camara invasion is strongly associated with Eucalyptus stands. We also found that climatic variables affect the colonization of understory woody invasive species, while invasion by exotic herbaceous species is associated with the density of road networks. Canopy cover impacts all invasives negatively, while fire incidence was negatively associated with invasion by Lantana spp. and the Pteridium spp. While the restoration of natural habitats primarily targets the highly invasive Acacia, less invasive Eucalyptus and Pinus are often not included. Our study suggests that retaining such invasive species in natural habitats, particularly protected areas, can hinder ongoing grassland restoration efforts by facilitating further invasions by multiple woody and herbaceous species.

The effects of the invasive species, Lantana camara, on regeneration of an African rainforest

AbstractInvasive plants adversely affect native communities by altering ecosystem function and disrupting natural regeneration. We investigate the effect of invasive Lantana camara L. (Verbenaceae) on forest regeneration in Kibale National Park, Uganda. We appraise the efficacy of cutting and uprooting Lantana for promoting native tree recruitment. Sample plots comprised three types: (i) currently invaded by Lantana; (ii) cleared of Lantana and now managed; and (iii) forest reference plots uninvaded by Lantana. Tree species numbering 51, 19 shrubs, and 17 herb species were identified. Lantana reduced tree, shrub, and herb cover and diversity, and suppressed tree regeneration. The short‐term management of Lantana did not promote tree establishment. The tree community in cleared areas was not converging on uninvaded adjacent forest. Lantana is known to allelopathically suppress tree seedling establishment, but even at sites cleared of Lantana, tree species recruitment was poor. While insufficient time may have passed for tree recruitment, we argue that an increase in shrub and herb cover and diversity arrested forest tree regeneration. Sustained follow‐up clearing of dense secondary shrubs and herbs and resprouted L. camara in cleared areas is key to ensuring long‐term recovery of the forest tree community.

Effects of the Density of Invasive Lantana camara Plants on the Biodiversity of Large and Small Mammals in the Groenkloof Nature Reserve (GNR) in South Africa

Multi-scale approaches have been used to determine scales at which mammal species are responding to habitat destruction due to invasion, but the impacts of weeds on mammals have not been extensively studied, especially in Africa. Inside the Groenkloof Nature Reserve (GNR), we assessed how mammals are affected by an invasive weed Lantana camara. A series of models were applied to determine the differences in species abundance as well as richness, separated for large and small mammals. When diversity indices were used, an Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) revealed no statistically significant difference between treatments (F5 = 0.233, p = 0.945) for large mammals. The results of a Generalised Linear Mixed Model (GLMM) showed that vegetation type (Wald χ22 = 120.156; p < 0.01) and foraging guilds (Wald χ23 = 76.771; p < 0.01) were significant predictors of large mammal species richness. However, for small mammals, the results of a GLMM showed that only treatment type (Wald χ25 = 10.62; p = 0.050) was a significant predictor of the number of small mammals trapped. In addition, the ANOVA revealed statistically significant differences in species diversity between treatments (F5 = 0.934; p < 0.001) and by season (F1 = 9.122 p = 0.003) for small mammals. The presence of L. camara coupled with other predictors was associated with differences in large mammal abundances and diversity, and differences in how these large mammals were distributed across the landscape. Furthermore, the highest species diversity was found in the spring for small mammals. Therefore, for all the mammals studied, the presence of L. camara negatively affected species abundance, richness, and diversity, as well as how these species were distributed across the invaded and cleared areas.

Spatial distribution and effects of Lantana camara invasion on soil properties and native vegetation community composition in Tugwi‐Mukosi Recreational Park, Masvingo, Zimbabwe

AbstractThis study investigated spatial distribution and effects of Lantana camara invasion on soil properties and vegetation composition in Tugwi‐Mukosi Recreational Park. Supervised classification with the Random Forest classifier was used to map L. camara in the park. The study area was stratified into two categories based on soil type and the extent of L. camara invasion. Stratified random sampling was used in data collection to assess differences in species diversity and soil properties in the park. Results revealed that L. camara covered an area of 1772 ha. Using Random Forest classification, the study obtained an accuracy score of 92.1% and an F1 score of 86.25%. Two‐way ANOVA showed significant effect of L. camara invasion on soil moisture (F = 28.143, p = 0.000), organic matter (F = 13.377, p = 0.003), pH (F = 1272.369, p = 0.000), total nitrogen (F = 51.762, p = 0.000), total phosphorus (F = 5.000, p = 0.045), woody species density (F = 4.987, p = 0.027), basal area (F = 10.393, p = 0.001), grass species richness (F = 196.258, p = 0.000) and grass cover (F = 3.637, p = 0.042). These results suggest that L. camara was modifying the soil and vegetation properties of the ecosystem which has implications on biodiversity.

Analyzing The Effect of “Lantana Amara” Invasion on Density, Frequency, Dominance, And Important Value Index of Woody Species in The Lake Tana Sub Basin

Invasive plant species can disrupt recovery pathways by altering species interactions and ecosystem structure and functioning. The species compositional changes induced by Lantana invasion are primarily driven by gradual changes in species density. This research tries to analyze the effect of Lantana camara invasion of density, dominance, important value index, species richness, and evenness in the Lake Tana subbasin. The finding revealed that species dominance (48.36) in the not invaded area is higher than invaded area (121.07). The total number of species recode in invaded (2031) area was lower than in the uninvaded area (5085). The uninvaded area (3.73) is richer in terms of species composition than invaded area (2.84). The invasive species Lantana camara affects the density, frequency, and important value index of other species by suppressing their composition. It also affects the species distribution by affecting species evenness and richness of the study area. The invasive species affect biodiversity composition and ecosystem services in the Lake Tana sub-basin. Comprehensive management strategies should be designed by the government, policymakers, and environmentalists to minimize the effect of Lantana camara invasion on biodiversity composition.

Impact of invasive Lantana camara on maize and cassava growth in East Usambara, Tanzania.

The impacts of invasive alien plant species on native plants are generally well documented, but little is known about the mechanisms underlying their impacts on crop growth. A better understanding of immediate as well as legacy effects and of direct and indirect impacts of invasive alien plant species is essential for an improved management of invaded cropland. We investigated how Lantana camara impacts the growth of two subsistence crops (maize and cassava) through competition for resources, allelopathy and the indirect plant-plant interactions. We carried out two pot experiments using soils from invaded abandoned, invaded cultivated and non-invaded cultivated crop fields. In the first experiment maize and cassava were grown alone or together with L. camara and half of the pots were treated with activated carbon to suppress allelochemicals. The effect of the soil microbial community on L. camara-crop interactions was assessed in a second experiment using autoclaved soil with 5% of soil from the three soil types. We found that L. camara reduced the growth of maize by 29%, but cassava was not affected. We did not find evidence of allelopathic effects of L. camara. Inoculation of autoclaved soil with microorganisms from all soil types increased biomass of cassava and reduced the growth of maize. Because L. camara only caused impacts when growing simultaneously with maize, the results suggest that removal of L. camara will immediately mitigate its negative impacts on maize.

Bioclimatic modelling of Lantana camara invasion in the Shivalik landscape of Western Himalaya

Bioclimatic modelling of Lantana camara invasion in the Shivalik landscape of Western Himalaya

The native avian species visiting fruiting invasive Lantana camara in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa: Potential dispersal concerns

Alien invasive plant species are a major problem globally, threatening ecosystem functioning and biodiversity. Native bird species facilitate their spread through mutualistic relationships. Studies of seed dispersal of alien invasive plants are important for effective management. In the present study, we investigated the role of native bird species in the potential dispersal of the highly invasive shrub Lantana camara in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. We observed a total of 56 native bird species visiting fruiting L. camara with only 28 (50 %) species consuming the fruit. Visitation frequencies were significantly higher for small and medium-sized frugivorous species. The dark-capped bulbul Pycnonotus tricolor was the frugivorous bird species most observed visiting and is likely the main potential native avian disperser of L. camara. Interestingly, two non-frugivorous birds, the white-bellied sunbird Cinnyris talatala and the white-browed scrub-robin Cercotrichas leucophrys showed relatively high visitation frequencies to L. camara. Our study showed that L. camara benefits from seed dispersers and pollinators for seed reproduction and spread. These results emphasise the importance of evaluating the role of native bird species in the dispersal of alien invasive species.

Modelling the potential risk zone of Lantana camara invasion and response to climate change in eastern India

BackgroundThe aim of this study is to elucidate the potential risk zones prone to the invasion of perennial ornamental plant Lantana camara, which is native to South America and has invasive tendency in Jharkhand, eastern India, for present (2020) and the future (2050) climatic conditions under four different Representative Concentration Pathways scenarios (RCPs). We analysed the current distribution pattern of L. camara in the plateau region of eastern India and identified potentially suitable habitats prone to its further infestation in the future under the climate change scenario.ResultsResults showed the presence of L. camara invasion in ~ 13% of the geographical area of Jharkhand, Chotanagpur plateau which may expand up to 20–26% by 2050 depending upon emission scenarios as characterised by the four RCPs. Analysis for the current scenario suggests the dominance of L. camara in sub-zone V (12.77% under high risk zones (HRZ) and 9.5% under critical risk zones (CRZ)) followed by sub-zones IV (6.7%: HRZ; 4.19%: CRZ) and VI (2.49%: HRZ; 2.14%: CRZ). Future projection (2050) indicates a possible expansion of its distribution range across all agro-climatic sub-zones with dominance in sub-zones V and IV. Variable Bio_4 (temperature seasonality) was observed as the most contributing factor for the distribution of L. camara for current and future scenarios across all RCPs. Suitable habitat for L. camara mostly occurred under natural vegetation (66.05% of CRZ and 60.71% of HRZ) and agriculture landscape (29.51% of CRZ and 34.48% of HRZ).ConclusionsThe study provides an insight of invasion of L. camara in the plateau region of eastern India, and reveals wide distribution across all the agro-climatic sub-zones of Jharkhand, mostly in open and disturbed areas under natural vegetation and agriculture landscapes. Future projections for the year 2050 suggest a continuous increase in the expansion range of invasion across Jharkhand and call for urgent initiatives to combat its further invasion.

Decision support systems based on scientific evidence: bibliometric networks of invasive Lantana camara

Extraction and analysis of useful knowledge from the vast amount of relevant published literature can add valuable insights to any research theme or area of interest. We introduce a simplified bibliometric data analysis protocol for gaining substantial insights into research thematics, which can also serve as a handy practical skill for researchers while working from home. In this paper, we provide ways of developing a holistic research strategy using bibliometric-data driven approaches that integrate network analysis and information management, without the need for full paper access. This protocol is a comprehensive multi-modular pathway for analysis of metadata obtained from major scientific publishing houses by the use of a Decision Support System (DSS). A simple case study on the invasive species Lantana camara has been presented as a proof-of-concept to show how one can implement this DSS based protocol. Some perspectives are also provided on how the outcomes can be used directly or scaled up for long term research interventions. We hope that this work will simplify exploratory literature review, and enable rational design of research objectives for scholars, as well as the development of comprehensive grant proposals that address gaps in research.

Multiple comparisons of diversity indices invaded by Lantana camara.

Current study assessed the impact of Lantana camara invasion on native plant diversity in Pothohar region of Pakistan. The approach used for study was random samplings and comparisons of diversity indices [number of species (S), abundance (N), species richness (R), evenness (Jꞌ), Shannon diversity index (Hꞌ) and Simpson index of dominance (λ)] with two categorical factors i.e., invaded and non-invaded (control). Control plots harboured by an average of 1.74 more species/10m2. The control category was diverse (Hꞌ=2.56) than invaded category (Hꞌ=1.56). The higher value of species richness in control plots shows heterogeneous nature of communities and vice versa in invaded plots. At multivariate scale, ordination (nMDS) and ANOSIM showed significant magnitude of differences between invaded and control plots at all sites. The decrease in studied diversity indices in invaded over control sites indicated that plant communities become less productive due to Lantana invasion.