2011 Research Highlights
Identifying Potentially Invasive Plants in the United States
Comprehensive database will aid in prediction, prevention, and proactive management of invasive plants
Over 4,000 plants have been introduced in the United States through accidental and intentional releases. Some of these species have become invasive by out-competing native biota for resources, thus threatening native communities and reducing species diversity. Developing a method to identify potentially invasive species from this pool of introduced plants will enable the prediction and prevention of future invasions.
In order to examine parameters of plant invasion success in the United States, EFETAC scientists are developing a database that compiles several key life history and genetic traits for all currently known introduced plant species, including morphological traits, pollination and dispersal mechanisms, chromosome number, habitat preferences, and geographical distribution. Researchers and collaborators have developed the database structure and have begun populating the database using a variety of sources, such as relevant existing databases, scientific literature, websites, and herbarium, or collection of dried plants, specimens.
These data will allow for continental scale analyses of biological traits that influence species invasiveness and distribution and will aid in developing early warning systems, predictive models, risk assessments, and management plans for invasive plant species. The database will be made available on the Internet for the public, land managers, scientists, and policymakers to use as a comprehensive resource of introduced plants in the United States.
Contact: Qinfeng Guo, research ecologist, (828) 257-4246, qinfeng.guo@usda.gov
