Articles tagged with Invasive Plants
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A new study identifies 91 countries at risk from the 'green cancer' miconia tree's expansion, despite warming. The invasive plant's ability to infest territories will not be hindered, but its growth may slow in some areas by 2080.
The study found that over 2,625 invasive plant species were offered for sale on eBay, with 35 being among the 100 worst invasive species. The plants are often sold by dealers in countries with lax regulations, making it difficult to track and control online trade.
A review article in Trends in Microbiology reveals that microbial invasions follow a general ecological pattern, with invasion phases including introduction, establishment, spread, and impact. The study found that species diversity is the best defense against invading microbes.
Researchers found that mowing down cattails and phragmites in stormwater basins leads to a boom in mosquito populations and an increased risk of West Nile virus transmission. Mowing also disperses bird species, which are natural reservoir hosts for the virus, contrary to initial expectations.
Research found that controlled burning increases the growth of an aggressive species of invasive grass, Microstegium vimineum, particularly in moist soil conditions. Burning can promote seed production and spread, making eradication difficult.
A global study by University of Minnesota researchers found that adding nutrients to grasslands gives invasive species a leg up on native species. The study, published in Nature Communications, used data from 64 sites across 13 countries to pinpoint the role of nutrient availability and herbivore density in plant invasion.
A study found that anthropogenic factors, such as cultivation, played a more important role in plant invasiveness than previously thought. The research analyzed Central European plants introduced to North America and found that residence time in the invaded range and habitats occupied in native ranges were key drivers of invasion.
A recent study by University of Stirling scientist Dr. Mario Vallejo-Marin discovered a new species of monkeyflower, Mimulus peregrinus, which provides real-time insight into evolution. The species has evolved multiple times in different regions, challenging the conventional understanding of species formation.
Scientists have devised a new method to investigate factors contributing to biological invasions of non-native species. The study successfully distinguished between two-wave and single-wave invasions using genetic data, allowing for better ecological understanding and management strategies.
Scientists have discovered the first invasive lionfish in Brazilian waters, raising alarm for Atlantic reefs and native species. The discovery highlights the need for urgent control measures to protect coral reefs from the voracious invaders.
Scientists study the spread of diseases in plant communities by analyzing relationships between plant species and estimating individual numbers. This approach allows for community-level predictions, shedding light on why some species are more vulnerable to disease.
Invasive species can spread rapidly due to rapid evolution, contradicting previous predictions. This accelerated invasion rate is crucial for understanding ecological and socio-economic impacts of invasive species.
The Lantana camara species complex's unresolved composition is a major impediment to its effective management. The complex's high diversity and rapid adaptive evolution make it challenging to identify and predict invasiveness.
Research on giant tortoises in the Galapagos Islands reveals that they prefer non-native plants over native ones, with introduced species making up roughly half of their diet. The tortoises' nutritional status shows no negative effects from eating invasive plants, suggesting a potential positive impact on their health.
New research reveals that non-native plants are less widespread and do not outcompete native species, suggesting alternative causes for vegetation change. High diversities of native and non-native plant species coexist in locations with high native species diversity.
The Great Lakes are vulnerable to future invasions due to the lack of effective regulations. Scientists predict new waves of invaders and identify key species that could arrive in the next 50 years, posing threats to native biodiversity and the multibillion-dollar fishery.
A study from Purdue University reveals that invasive species can transform landscapes in various ways, including altering sedimentation rates and changing stream channels. The review highlights the importance of identifying high-risk areas and understanding the impacts of invasive microbial organisms.
A recent study by an international team of researchers highlights the need for stricter regulations on invasive weed species in pastures. The findings suggest that these species can cause significant environmental harm and economic losses, with the US spending over $34 billion annually on management.
Research reveals that invasive prairie plant Lespedeza cuneata has superior performance when paired with specific bacteria, leading to increased nitrogen fixation and competitiveness. The study highlights the ecological risks of invasive species and underscores the importance of native plant partnerships in soil symbiosis.
A new study reveals nearly half of Galapagos Island's canopy is comprised of non-native trees, shrubs, and grasses, competing with native species for resources. The research provides a map and database to help managers prioritize invasive species control efforts.
The TX Invasives app allows users to identify 56 invasive plants, 25 insect species, 19 animals, and four pathogens. Citizen scientists have reported over 17,000 invasive species observations since 2005, aiding in management decisions and responding to new threats.
Researchers are studying the effects of projected climate changes on native plant species in the Pacific Northwest. By growing 12 species of range-limited native grasses and forbs in simulated future climate conditions, scientists aim to understand how plants will adapt and potentially disappear as temperatures rise.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed regulatory definitions and a list of 49 low-risk biofuel plants to prevent invasive species. The 'white list' offers producers clearly identified options, reducing conflicts between renewable fuel production and environmental concerns.
Researchers at Clemson University discovered that kudzu invasion releases stored carbon into the atmosphere, exacerbating climate change. In contrast, Japanese knotweed's impact is less pronounced due to its litter chemistry regulating soil biological activity.
Researchers found that exotic plant species increase biomass production in ecosystems, regardless of native species presence or climate. Herbivorous small mammals play a key role in resisting invasive plant species, but their exclusion allows for increased productivity.
A new study by researchers at ETH Zurich found that scientists have differing opinions on how to describe invasive plant species and their environmental impact. The study suggests that broader participation of different expert groups could lead to more effective invasive species management.
Researchers found that harvesting invasive plants for biofuels is hindered by high costs, lack of specialized equipment, and variable cell wall composition. Despite this, alternative uses for invasive biomass, such as combustion for electricity, may offer a more practical solution.
A UCSB study found that invasive plants' ecosystem impacts decrease over time, but native species may need additional assistance to recover. Long-term monitoring revealed declining nitrogen mineralization rates and reduced self-reinforcing effects on soil nutrients.
Invasive plant species alter soil chemistry and nutrient cycling, facilitating their establishment. Microbial agents associated with invasive plants change soil biogeochemistry and enable their continued growth.
A new study suggests that overgrazing and other factors increase the severity of cheatgrass invasion in sagebrush steppe ecosystems. Researchers propose minimizing cumulative impact of grazing through better management to promote a diverse ecosystem and conserve native plant and wildlife species.
A new study maps the most detailed forecast to date for importing potentially harmful invasive species with cargo ships' ballast water. The research reveals hotspots of bioinvasion, including large Asian ports and US ports like New York and Long Beach.
New scientific studies reveal the negative impact of invasive European buckthorn on Midwestern frog populations and altered mammal distributions. The plant's toxic emodin compound disrupts amphibian development, while its presence attracts carnivores like coyotes and raccoons.
A new study across 24 states found two-thirds of forest inventory plots contain at least one non-native plant species. Non-native, or introduced, plants can become invasive and displace native species, degrading habitats and altering ecosystem functions.
Researchers at the University of Illinois suggest reforming regulatory lists using a science-based process and assessing potential invasiveness. This could lead to better protection for natural areas against invasive species, but may not threaten the development of new biofuels crops.
The invasive dog-strangling vine (Vincetoxicum rossicum) has been found to compete successfully with native Canadian plants in both disturbed and undisturbed areas. Despite cooler temperatures, the plant produces an equal number of seeds as it does in its typical range.
Scientists assembled the transcriptome and genome of the noxious weed Brachypodium sylvaticum, providing insights into its invasive capabilities and adaptation to new environments. The study offers a model for studying ecological and evolutionary aspects of invasion.
Researchers found that an acidic microenvironment can drive cancer cells to spread and propose neutralizing pH as a therapeutic opportunity. Tumors adapt by creating acidic environments through increased glucose metabolism, hampering oxygen delivery and acid elimination.
A new study found that invasive plant species decrease biodiversity at small scales due to reduced light and nutrient availability, but have minimal impact at larger scales. This scale-dependent effect can lead to conflicting results in scientific research, highlighting the importance of considering local battles against invasive species.
Researchers found that invasive plants reduce biodiversity in smaller areas, but the effect diminishes when studying larger ecosystems. The study provides new insights into the complex relationship between invasive species and local biodiversity.
A study found that invasive plant invasions can create 'extinction debts' in native plant species, leading to slow extinctions but delayed actual extinction events. Native plants are often relegated to marginal habitats unsuitable to their non-native competitors.
Researchers found that invasive plants will likely extinguish native plants in the wild over time, contrary to recent reports. The 'extinction debt' occurs hundreds of years after initial invasion, where native species slowly go extinct but not immediately.
Researchers at the University of Florida have discovered nearly 50 new species of leaf-mining moths in the Congo, doubling the number previously known from the region. The moths have unusual survival strategies and some species can delay plant aging.
Researchers mapped large stands of invasive Phragmites along the US Great Lakes coastline using satellite technologies. The resulting dataset provides a highly accurate picture of the extent of Phragmites invasion, allowing for targeted control efforts and future range extension modeling.
Research estimates that European countries with weak agricultural import controls are more vulnerable to exotic insect pests. The study provides new metrics to evaluate and improve border controls, highlighting the need for better biosecurity measures to prevent invasive insects from entering the continent.
A study analyzing 371 invasion studies found that six dominant invasion hypotheses have declining predictive power. The authors suggest filling gaps in empirical tests, specifying hypotheses for groups of organisms and habitats, considering invader-ecosystem interactions, and rejecting unsupported hypotheses. This decline in predictive...
Research reveals invasive scale insect Aulacaspis yasumatsui causes near-total mortality in Cycas micronesica, highlighting critical importance of empirical studies for conservation efforts.
A recent study found that native plant restoration alone is not enough to prevent non-native species invasion in Hawaii's tropical dry forests. Instead, long-term sustainability measures are needed to manage non-native species and ensure ecosystem resilience.
A University of Georgia study reveals that native clearweed plants have evolved resistance to invasive garlic mustard, and the invasive species is countering with its own chemical warfare. The study provides evidence of coevolution between native and invasive plant species, suggesting a potential for ecosystem equilibrium over time.
Researchers developed a 'cost-sensitive' model to determine when importing a given plant is worth the risk, balancing economic benefits and environmental damage. The model uses statistical procedures to assess a plant's likelihood of becoming invasive.
A Syracuse University study reveals that invasive plant leaves continue to function in the fall, producing food through photosynthesis, while native plants shut down earlier. This finding challenges conventional wisdom on forest ecosystems and suggests a strategy for invasive species' success.
Research by Judith Myers introduces a beetle to North America to feast on invasive knapweed, causing a significant decline in the plant's presence. The program shows $17 in economic benefit for every dollar spent, making it a win for the economy and ecology.
A team led by Dr Steven Le Comber used computer simulations and historical data to compare geographic profiling with existing methods for monitoring invasive species. The technique outperformed others, particularly when multiple sources were involved, suggesting its potential for controlling the spread of invasive species.
Climate change and global trade are expected to increase demand for drought-tolerant plants from Africa and the Middle East, increasing the risk of new invasive species. Ecologists recommend proactive management practices, including pre-emptive screening of nursery stock before imports.
Researchers at Purdue University have developed a method to grow sweet potatoes in space that requires minimal growing space. The new technique involves training the plant's main vine to wrap around a cone or cylinder cage, allowing for vertical growth and increased crop yield.
Invasive species like ship rats and non-native birds can become essential to ecosystems when native pollinators disappear. Researchers found that these 'alien' species perform similar functions as extinct native pollinators in New Zealand's North Island.
A US Department of Agriculture scientist identified a rare grass-like sedge as blue sedge, native to Asia and Australia, found growing near the gravesites of a royal Gypsy family in Mississippi. The plant's restricted distribution and invasive traits suggest it could cause problems in US lawn and turf systems.
The study found that archaeophytes, introduced since Neolithic agriculture, are positively affected by arable land availability at low altitudinal ranges. Invasive neophyte species harbor 67% of Prague's nature reserves, including many shrubs and trees with high invasion potential.
New study finds that popular ornamental woody plants sold as non-invasive may actually retain invasive potential. The offspring of these cultivars often 'breed true' and can be more fecund than their parents, making them potentially more invasive.
The study estimates $1.7 billion in local government expenditures and $830 million in lost residential property values each year from invasive tree-feeding insects like the emerald ash borer and Asian longhorned beetle. Strengthening regulations and enforcement are crucial to mitigate future costs.
China's existing protected areas are failing to conserve wild plants, which could be valuable sources of future crops and medicine. The country should develop accurate data on threats to its plant species and create well-enforced reserves in appropriate areas.