Maps identifying suitable areas for the spotted lanternfly's establishment in the US and world have been published by Agricultural Research Service scientists. The insect has already spread to several countries and is predicted to become established in most of New England, mid-Atlantic states, and Pacific coastal states.
A new statistical modeling tool uses features of a weed species and geography to predict high-risk areas where weeds are likely to spread first. Land management authorities can use the tool to identify at-risk areas that require careful monitoring, improving early detection and effective containment of invasive weeds.
A new study published in Invasive Plant Science and Management reveals that tailoring treatments to specific weed control objectives can lead to improved outcomes. Researchers found that fewer, well-timed mowing events were more effective than frequent mowing in controlling invasive thistle.
A WVU biologist is using a $2 million grant to study the genomic basis of invasive traits in Japanese stiltgrass. The project aims to understand how plants undergo rapid evolution to become invasive species, with potential implications for managing and preventing their spread.
Researchers found that invasive plants have a negative impact on native animals, reducing their abundance and altering ecosystem functions. In contrast, exotic animals are unaffected by invasive plants.
A new University of Illinois study found that large blowdown areas in southern Illinois forests are more heavily invaded and slower to recover than smaller areas. Invasive species cover decreased over time, but the most common invaders were already present in the system, suggesting a need for targeted management focus.
Callery pear trees, originally introduced as urban favorites, now outcompete native species in US forests, threatening ecological balance. The invasive trees' deep roots and long growing season make them difficult to remove, posing an existential threat to native biodiversity.
Researchers found that removing invasive shrubs restores native understory plant growth, with an unexpected ability and vigor to recolonize open spots. Native plants can thrive in areas previously occupied by invasive species, taking over with minimal additional effort.
A study by Cambridge University Press found that native plant regeneration exceeded expected growth in areas where invasive shrubs were removed. After seven years, researchers observed a significant increase in plant diversity and abundance among both understory species and small trees.
A group of invasive species experts warns of the economic and environmental risks posed by biological invasions in the US, citing climate change as a major factor. The Trump Administration's budget cut is seen as reckless and inadequate to address the growing threat.
A global meta-analysis reveals that invasive species can cause significant declines in native populations, especially when they reach higher trophic levels. Early detection becomes critical to prevent long-term damage. Strong policies are needed to prevent novel introductions and manage early stages of invasion.
Researchers found that introduced birds on Oahu select specific non-native plants, dispersing them across the island, and even contribute to their stability. However, these novel communities are less diverse than native ecosystems, with only four bird species responsible for plant movement.
Research on O'ahu reveals native plants rely heavily on invasive bird species for seed dispersal, forming dynamic networks similar to native communities. However, these birds also spread non-native plant seeds more frequently.
Researchers found that introduced bird species on Oahu are selecting certain non-native plants to interact with, similar to native-dominated ecosystems globally. This suggests that these novel communities can be as stable as native ones, despite being composed of invasive species. However, the study highlights the importance of caution...
Researchers found a way to exploit Striga's Achilles' heel by using artificial plant hormones called strigolactones. The treatment reduces Striga plants by over half, making it a game-changer for farmers in sub-Saharan Africa where the weed threatens up to 40% of staple crops.
A national-scale study found that high tree diversity in the US is associated with a greater number of nonnative pests, but this relationship depends on the pest's specialization. The study used two large datasets and found a hump-shaped curve between tree diversity and pest diversity.
A Rutgers-led study found that protecting small forests does not maintain the diversity of birds they support over time. The study suggests that monitoring and managing protected areas is crucial for conservation goals.
The Noble False Widow, a large and venomous spider, has spread rapidly across Europe, California, South America, and Central Europe. Its populations are now expanding northwards in England, posing a threat to native faunas.
Prof Dave Richardson from Stellenbosch University has received the Kwame Nkrumah Award for Scientific Excellence, recognizing his significant contributions to the field of invasion biology. The award acknowledges his research on biological invasions and their impacts on biodiversity and ecosystem functioning in Africa.
Researchers used a Random Forest algorithm to model the spread of invasive alien tree Prosopis juliflora in eastern Ethiopia, revealing an area equivalent to half of neighboring Djibouti was invaded in just 35 years. The study suggests that river courses and road networks are key drivers of its invasion.
A new research from the University of Vermont provides insight to help predict which plants are likely to become invasive in a particular community. Plant height can be a competitive advantage for non-native plants, enabling them to outcompete native plants and spread more aggressively.
New research from Binghamton University found that invasive plant leaf litter and sodium chloride accelerate developmental time and reduce mass of native leopard frogs, while aiding invasive African clawed frogs. The study highlights the importance of considering interactions between multiple stressors in preserving native biodiversity.
Researchers found that certain invasive plant species can increase blue carbon storage by boosting biomass and soil carbon, while other plant invasions have a negative impact. The study's findings provide valuable insights for ecosystem managers seeking to enhance carbon storage in coastal environments.
A recently discovered pygmy moth species from Asia, Stigmella multispicata, has spread rapidly across Siberian elm trees in eastern North America. The species was first found in the US in 2010 and has since been identified in ten states and two Canadian provinces.
A recent study found that invasive pine trees significantly increased the severity of the 2017 Knysna wildfires by trebling fuel loads. The study also showed that climate change exacerbated the fire's impact due to a prolonged drought period, and warned that similar conditions will occur again in the future.
A new study found that seed rain, canopy gaps, and soil disturbances contribute to the establishment of invasive plants. Proximity to seed sources was a significant predictor for wine raspberry, Japanese barberry, and Japanese stiltgrass.
A new study reveals that Himalayan balsam thrives in drier riverbanks and prefers steeper slopes to native plants, shedding light on its spread. Understanding these conditions can help mitigate the invasive plant's impact on UK rivers.
A Dartmouth study explores alternative perspectives on invasive species through Anishnaabe traditions, highlighting the importance of respectful relationships and careful stewardship. The research reveals three key findings: indigenous communities view invasive species as natural migration or a form of cultural exchange, and traditiona...
The team is using mycorrhizal fungi to stabilize soil and conserve water in restoration sites. By inoculating seedlings with native microbes, they aim to improve native plant survival and growth. The research also explores the differences between disturbed and pristine environments, informing ecological restoration efforts.
A recent study by University of British Columbia researchers found that the Jerusalem artichoke's ability to produce a large number of tubers is a major driver of its invasive success. The trait evolved independently multiple times in invasive populations, highlighting the potential for invasiveness to evolve repeatedly.
Researchers have developed an alternative approach to controlling invasive Chinese privet, achieving great control with much less herbicide than typically used. The study found that a 25% concentration of glyphosate or triclopyr is sufficient for effective control, and timing also plays a crucial role in the process.
A new study finds that over 99% of Chicagoland wetlands are home to non-native plant species, with reed canary grass dominating many sites. The research highlights the importance of considering ecosystem function and functional values in restoration efforts in urban areas.
A new study reveals that up to 16% of Earth's species could qualify as potential alien species, posing significant challenges to biosecurity efforts. The research found that the number of newly emerging alien species continues to rise, with insects and molluscs being the groups most affected.
Researchers at Cambridge University Press suggest a way to predict invasive weed behavior and development curve by analyzing herbarium records and data on past invaders. By understanding the variation in expansion phase length across species, they can identify traits linked to aggressive growth and expansion.
Many Midwestern retailers are selling oriental bittersweet, an invasive species, as native American bittersweet. Researchers found that 54% of plants labeled 'American bittersweet' were actually oriental bittersweet, which can outcompete and harm the native plant.
A new study suggests that dominant forest tree mycorrhizal type affects understory plant invasions, with arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) forests more vulnerable to invasive species. This research helps explain the establishment and spread of invasive plants in forests.
A new study by Cambridge University Press found that removing invasive Amur honeysuckle shrubs alongside a stream improves the diversity of aquatic organisms. The research, conducted over three years, showed a substantial positive impact on macroinvertebrates in the stream.
A new study found that white-tailed deer prefer native plants to invasive species like garlic mustard and Japanese stiltgrass. This leads to a decrease in native plant diversity and an increase in non-native species, altering forest ecosystems.
A team of researchers, farmers and scientists collaborated to develop a successful control method for African lovegrass. Local knowledge was found to be key in tackling the invasive species.
Researchers found that bacterial communities in soil are primarily structured by plant lineage rather than environmental factors. The study's results suggest that invasive plants are successful due to their freedom from cultivating microbial defense mechanisms, allowing them to allocate resources for growth and reproduction.
Researchers found that bacterial communities in soil are structured by plant lineage, not environment. This discovery helps understand how invasive species succeed and affects ecosystem fitness.
Research highlights invasive species' impact on bats, including predation by cats and invasive plants like burdock that entangle them. The study also reveals the importance of protecting island-dwelling bat populations from extinction.
Researchers analyzed DNA samples from six patches of Russian knapweed to understand its spread methods. The study found that seeds were the primary source of new patches, while local invasions were spreading from root growth.
Researchers have discovered pollen evidence of Chrysocoma ciliata dating back 4,000 years, suggesting it may not be an invasive species. The plant's ability to thrive under drought conditions and colonize degraded landscapes has led some to question its status as an invasive species.
A study published in Journal of Environmental Management found a direct correlation between shale gas development activity and the rapid invasion of non-native plant species in Pennsylvania's northern forests. The research suggests that invasive plants can alter forest ecosystems, affecting wildlife habitats and timber harvests.
A new study by Duke University scientists found that invasive plant species can provide essential ecosystem functions in degraded coastal habitats. Non-native seaweed, such as Gracilaria vermiculophylla, helped offset the loss of foundation species and offered vital services like food production and storm protection.
The invasive Acacia dealbata species is outcompeting native vegetation in undisturbed areas of the northwest Iberian Peninsula. The study found that natural scrublands can serve as a barrier to slow its spread, but pine forests are more susceptible to its invasion.
A doctoral student is studying how soil microbes drive plant invasion in the Galapagos Islands, a biodiversity hotspot. The researcher aims to understand the role of mycorrhizal fungi and plant pathogens in shaping plant community structure and diversity.
Biomedical engineers use biological nanoparticles, a plant virus, to deliver pesticide to root level of crops, reducing leaching and runoff, increasing efficacy and safety. The technology has potential for widespread use in agriculture to control parasitic nematodes, which cause significant crop failures worldwide.
A three-year study found that invasive species like Japanese stiltgrass can leave lasting impacts on local ecosystems, including altered soil nutrient levels and changes to vegetation communities. Early eradication is crucial to prevent these long-term effects.
A new program, ROOTS, aims to develop drought-resistant crops with improved root function and plant health monitoring. Researchers are adapting miniaturized sensing technologies to monitor root productivity and detect stress signals in real-time.
Researchers found that generations born on the leading edge of an invasion can push forward more than those born further back due to evolutionary advantages. This discovery has implications for agriculture and natural resource management as invasive species spread faster and farther.
A new Penn-led study found that invasive sedge is more effective at preventing erosion of dunes during big storms compared to native grass. The research suggests that land managers may want to consider the virtues of non-native species when protecting coastal communities.
A study found that butterfly mothers preferentially select leaves from vulnerable Cycas species over less damaged ones, resulting in a greater number of eggs being deposited. However, this skill was lost in populations experiencing novel host species over time.
A recent study found that an invasive tropical legume tree, Leucaena leucocephala, alters soil nitrogen dynamics in Guam ecosystems, reducing soil nitrogen levels. The research also revealed changes in microbiological processes that control soil chemistry transformations.
New research reveals that Asian jumping worms can strip forest floors and flood soil with nutrients at an alarming rate. This accelerated nutrient release may benefit plants initially, but also threatens to outcompete native species and contaminate groundwater sources.
A global analysis of environmental risk from invasive alien species reveals that one sixth of the world's lands are 'highly vulnerable' to invasion. The study highlights the need for proactive policies and international cooperation to combat these threats.
A global analysis reveals one-sixth of Earth's land is vulnerable to invasive species, with most countries having limited capacity to respond. Developed countries will face new invaders due to climate change and globalization.
A new study reveals that biological invasions are threatening the last remaining biodiversity strongholds in developing nations. Invasive species like Japanese Knotweed and grey squirrels are causing significant economic damage and compromising global biodiversity.
Scientists propose a new framework to understand plant extinctions, identifying six thresholds that species cross before becoming extinct. The study highlights the slow pace of plant extinction and the need for urgent action to protect declining native species.