Articles tagged with Invasive Plants
USGS researchers investigate reciprocal interactions between pathogens and ecosystems, finding parasites can alter predator-prey dynamics and ecosystem balance. They also examine the role of ants in monitoring ecosystem condition and the impact of fire history on alien plant invasion.
Researchers propose that reservoir construction creates ideal conditions for exotic aquatic species to thrive and spread. Studies suggest that reservoirs can facilitate the invasion of invasive species such as Daphnia lumholtzi and zebra mussels.
The National Invasive Species Council (NISC) partners with NASA to improve invasive species management. NASA provides Earth observations and predictive models to enhance partner abilities, improving accuracy and timeliness of predictive maps and plant species distribution forecasts.
A five-year study will monitor weed growth and make recommendations for maintaining fragile biodiversity, which is already impacted by development. The research aims to determine the threshold at which nitrogen affects different vegetation types and model future vegetation based on N emissions and urban development scenarios.
A recent study found that wind pollination works more efficiently in solid meadow plants than when they are spread apart. This could explain why Spartina covers only 60 acres of Willapa Bay despite being present for a century. Inefficient wind pollination may also speed the extinction of rare plants.
A University of Wisconsin-Madison researcher used historic aerial photographs to track road density and found that invasive species can colonize roads within up to 60 years. Forest managers can employ proactive monitoring and quick action to mitigate the impact of roads on native plant life.
Research shows that older mothers produce faster-growing and more resilient larvae, while smaller ants disrupt native seed dispersal patterns. Exotic plants also adapt quickly to new environments, and artificial night lighting can harm migrating birds.
Research shows that larger ants are better at carrying seeds far from their mother plants, but invasive species like Argentine and fire ants pose a threat to native plant populations. The study found that smaller ants cannot disperse seeds as efficiently, leading to reduced seedling survival.
Community invasibility is influenced by resident species composition and community cover. The relationship between richness and invasion dynamics reveals a more complex process than previously thought.
Symbiotic fungi promote invasive species into various ecosystems, outcompeting native species for resources. This association enhances the invasive potential of fungal partners.
Research finds exotic earthworms alter forest composition, reducing sugar maple seedling cover and plant species richness. Sedge species overpopulates, becoming difficult to control.
Twelve invasive marine species have grown larger by up to 40%, including European green crabs and Chinese mitten crabs. The findings suggest that these animals are no longer held back by predators or parasites, leading to increased size.
Researchers found that improved roads convert natural habitats to roadside areas, allowing non-native weeds to spread into adjacent ecosystems. In contrast, native plants thrive closer to roads with typical grassland soils.
Study reveals floodplains have significantly higher diversity of native and exotic plants due to flooding, which washes away existing plants and transports seeds. This creates opportunities for invasive species to establish themselves, posing a threat to native plant populations.
A study by Cornell University ecologists found that invasive plants have 77% fewer diseases in their native habitats compared to adopted habitats. The researchers suggest looking for weed-control pathogens both in native and adopted habitats to control invasive plant species.
Researchers used DNA sequences to identify hybridization and introgression in Phlox species, tracing the Eurasian source of invasive Tamarix species. The study found that a novel hybrid plant genotype is contributing to the invasion's spread, affecting biodiversity and hydrology in fragile environments.
Researchers found that diverse plant communities are more effective at excluding invasive weeds due to complete utilization of space and limited resources. This implies that biodiversity can also provide local resistance to invasions.
A study found that invasive Argentine ants eliminate native ant species, affecting seed burial and plant regeneration in fynbos ecosystems. This disruption can have cascading effects on the entire community, highlighting the threat of invasive species.
The USGS presents various studies on invasive species, including a workshop on non-native plant invasions and their impact on native ecosystems. Additionally, researchers discuss the effects of grazing on plant species diversity and find that habitat conditions play a significant role in shaping species variation.