Species and Distribution Characteristics of Alien Invasive Plants in Garden Greenbelt of Shijiazhuang City

[Objectives]The paper was to investigate the garden greenbelt in 30 sample plots such as parks,roads,communities,etc.in Shijiazhuang City.[Methods]The species,abundance and frequency of weeds in the greenbelt of public gardens were recorded through point-line-surface investigation,and typical plants were sampled.[Results]There were 56 species of alien invasive plants in garden greenbelts of Shijiazhuang City,belonging to 44 genera and 20 families.In terms of life form,herbaceous plants were absolutely dominant,accounting for 92.8%of the total.The most alien invasive plants were native to America,accounting for 66.1%of the total.In terms of introduction path,the plants introduced artificially and unintentionally accounted for almost half.The species and quantity of alien invasive plants were related to the size of greenbelt area,the length of the build time of the surveyed plot,the composition structure of greenbelt and the level of green management and protection.There was larger distribution of alien invasive plants in the sample plots with large greenbelt area,long build time,herbaceous-dominated greenbelt and low level of green management and protection.Among the 56 alien invasive plants,3 plants were toxic.From the perspective of invasiveness,the alien invasive plants in the garden greenbelt of Shijiazhuang City could be divided into 5 levels:invasive alien species of malignant consequences,invasive alien species of severe consequences,invasive alien species of partial consequences,invasive alien species of average consequences,and invasive alien species to be observed.[Conclusions]This study will provide a reference for the prevention and control of alien plant invasion,and lay a foundation for the prevention and control of existing invasive plants.

Survey and Analysis on Alien Invasive Plants of Jinziling Scenic Spot in Pingle County

According to the field survey of alien invasive plants of Jinziling,there were 23 kinds of alien invasive plants in the scenic spot.Species with the comprehensive dominance degree higher than 10% were as follows: six kinds of Asteraceae: Bidens pilosa,Aster subulatus,Ageratum conyzoides,Conyzai canadens,Parthenium hysterophorus,and Conyza sumatrensis; two kinds of Gramineae: Axonopus compressu,Eleusine indica; two kinds of convolvere: Ipomoea nil,Ipomoea purpurea; two kinds of Fabaceae: Cassiae tora,Medicago hispida; one kind of Verbenaceae: Lantana camara; one kind of Euphorbiaceae: Euphorbia hirta.In total,there were 14 kinds of alien invasive plants.In this survey,the dominant species of invasive plants were obtained by statistical analysis of the composition and distribution of the invasive plants,and the invasion trend was predicted,so as to take effective and economical management and control measures.

Investigation and Hazard Assessment of Invasive Alien Plants on the Campus of Tongren University

[Objectives]The paper was to investigate and assess the species,distribution and hazard status of invasive alien plants on the campus of Tongren University.[Methods]A survey was conducted using line survey method,and the risk assessment index system of invasive alien plants was established by analytic hierarchy process(AHP).[Results]There were 11 species of invasive alien plants on the campus of Tongren University,belonging to 8 genera and 5 families.There were 6 species of invasive alien plants belonging to Asteraceae,accounting for 54.55%of the total.In terms of the origin of invasive plants,most of them were native to North America and Europe,accounting for 27.27%of the total.In terms of harmful level,there were no high-risk invasive plants on the campus of Tongren University,but Alternanthera philoxeroides had the highest score and was the most harmful.[Conclusions]The present situation of alien plant invasion on the campus of Tongren University is closely related to the ecological environment of the campus.It is suggested to strengthen the management of campus plants,focus on the prevention and control of A.philoxeroides,and carry out regular investigation of invasive alien plants on campus to ensure the ecological safety of the campus.

The evolution and diurnal expression patterns of photosynthetic pathway genes of the invasive alien weed,Mikania micrantha

Mikania micrantha is a fast-growing global invasive weed species that causes severe damage to natural ecosystems and very large economic losses of forest and crop production.It has advantages in photosynthesis,including a similar net photosynthetic rate as C4 plants and a higher carbon fixation capacity.We used a combination of genomics and transcriptomics approaches to study the evolutionary mechanisms and circadian expression patterns of M.micrantha.In M.micrantha,16 positive selection genes focused on photoreaction and utilization of photoassimilates.In different tissues,98.1%of the genes associated with photoresponse had high expression in stems,and more than half of the genes of the C4 cycle had higher expression in stems than in leaves.In stomatal opening and closing,2 genes of carbonic anhydrase(CAs)had higher expression at 18:00 than at 8:00,and the slow anion channel 1(SLAC1)and high-leaf-temperature 1 kinase(HT1)genes were expressed at low levels at 18:00.In addition,genes associated with photosynthesis had higher expression levels at 7:00 and 17:00.We hypothesized that M.micrantha may undergo photosynthesis in the stem and flower organs and that some stomata of the leaves were opening at night by CO_(2)signals.In addition,its evolution may attenuate photoinhibition at high light intensities,and enhance more efficient of photosynthesis during low light intensity.And the tissue-specific photosynthetic types and different diurnal pattern of photosynthetic-related genes may contribute to its rapid colonization of new habitats of M.micrantha.

Photosynthetic response dynamics in the invasive species Tithonia diversifolia and two co-occurring native shrub species under fluctuating light conditions

To determine the invasiveness of invasive plants,many studies have compared photosynthetic traits or strategies between invasive and native species.However,few studies have compared the photosynthetic dynamics between invasive and native species during light fluctuations.We compared photosynthetic induction,relaxation dynamics and leaf traits between the invasive species,Tithonia diversifolia and two native species,Clerodendrum bungei and Blumea balsamifera,in full-sun and shady habitats.The photosynthetic dynamics and leaf traits differed among species.T.diversifolia showed a slower induction speed and stomatal opening response but had higher average intrinsic water-use efficiency than the two native species in full-sun habitats.Thus,the slow induction response may be attributed to the longer stomatal length in T.diversifolia.Habitat had a significant effect on photosynthetic dynamics in T.diversifolia and B.balsamifera but not in C.bungei.In shady habitat,T.diversifolia had a faster photosynthetic induction response than in full-sun habitat,leading to a higher average stomatal conductance during photosynthetic induction in T.diversifolia than in the two native species.In contrast,B.balsamifera had a larger stomatal length and slower photosynthetic induction and relaxation response in shady habitat than in full-sun habitat,resulting in higher carbon gain during photosynthetic relaxation.Nevertheless,in both habitats,T.diversifolia had an overall higher carbon gain during light fluctuations than the two native species.Our results indicated that T.diversifolia can adopt more effective response strategies under fluctuating light environments to maximize carbon gain,which may contribute to its successful invasion.

Increased dependence on nitrogen-fixation of a native legume in competition with an invasive plant

Suppression of roots and/or their symbiotic microorganisms,such as mycorrhizal fungi and rhizobia,is an effective way for alien plants to outcompete native plants.However,little is known about how invasive and native plants interact with the quantity and activity of nutrient-acquisition agents.Here a pot experiment was conducted with monoculture and mixed plantings of an invasive plant,Xanthium strumarium,and a common native legume,Glycine max.We measured traits related to root and nodule quantity and activity and mycorrhizal colonization.Compared to the monoculture,fine root quantity(biomass,surface area)and activity(root nitrogen(N)concentration,acid phosphatase activity)of G.max decreased in mixed plantings;nodule quantity(biomass)decreased by 45%,while nodule activity in Nfixing via rhizobium increased by 106%;mycorrhizal colonization was unaffected.Contribution of N fixation to leaf N content in G.max increased in the mixed plantings,and this increase was attributed to a decrease in the rhizosphere soil N of G.max in the mixed plantings.Increased root quantity and activity,along with a higher mycorrhizal association was observed in X.strumarium in the mixed compared to monoculture.Together,the invasive plant did not directly scavenge N from nodule-fixed N,but rather depleted the rhizosphere soil N of the legume,thereby stimulating the activity of N-fixation and increasing the dependence of the native legume on this N source.The quantity-activity framework holds promise for future studies on how native legumes respond to alien plant invasions.

Changes in Soil Biota Resulting from Growth of the Invasive Weed, Ambrosia artemisiifolia L.(Compositae), Enhance Its Success and Reduce Growth of Co-Occurring Plants

Exotic plant invasion presents a serious threat to native ecosystem structure and function. Little is known about the role of soil microbial communities in facilitating or resisting the spread of invasive plants into native communities. The purpose of this research is to understand how the invasive annual plant Ambrosia artemisiifolia L. facilitates its competition capacity through changing the structure and function of soil microbial communities. The soil characteristics of different areas invaded by A. artemisiifolia were examined. Greenhouse experiments were designed to assess the effect of A. artemisiifolia invasion-induced changes of soil biota on co-occurring plant growth, and on the interactions between A. artemisiifolia and three co-occurring plant species. The results showed that the soil organic C content was the highest in heavily invaded sites, the lowest in native plant sites, and intermediate in newly invaded sites. Soil available N, P and K concentrations in heavily invaded site were 2.4, 1.9 and 1.7 times higher than those in native plant soil, respectively. Soil pH decreased as A. artemisiifolia invasion intensity increased, and was lower in invaded sites（heavily invaded and newly invaded） than in native plant sites. The soil microbial community structure was clearly separated in the three types of sites, and A. artemisiifolia invasion increased anaerobe, sulfate-reducing bacteria and actinomycete abundance. Soil biota of invaded sites inhibits growth of co-occurring plants（Galinsoga parvifloraCav., Medicago sativa L. and Setaria plicata（Lam.） T. Cooke.） compared to soil biota from un-invaded sites, but facilitates A. artemisiifolia growth and competition with co-occurring plants. A. artemisiifolia biomass was 50-130% greater when competing with three co-occurring plants, compared to single-species competition only（invasion by A. artemisiifolia alone）, in heavily invaded soil. Results of the present study indicated that A. artemisiifolia invasion alters the soil microbial community in a way that favors itself while inhibiting native plant species, with measurable effects on performance of co-occurring plants.

Monitoring River Restoration Efforts: Do Invasive Alien Plants Endanger the Success? A Case Study of the Traisen River

River restoration activities are challenging for the native vegetation and the colonization process. The development of invasive alien plant species (IAS) as well as the development of the pioneer vegetation cover and seed bank were observed in one year prior to construction of a new river bed and within the first two years after construction, along the downstream section of the river Traisen in Austria. One year after completion of the new river channel, the occurrence of IAS above ground decreased while the occurrence of target species increased. Furthermore, no seeds of IAS were detected in the new river bed as a result of proper management of soil movement. Despite the positive impact on the abundance of IAS, the restoration project of the river Traisen shows that the fact that such a restoration activity is a disturbance event must be taken into consideration already during the planning process. Supporting the competitiveness of native plant species is an important tool for reducing the danger of establishment of invasive alien species.

Alien invasive species in Siberia:current status and problem

Although alien and invasive plant species have been researched extensively in the European part of Russia,the situation in Siberia is another matter.Hitherto,alien and invasive species in Siberia have not received much attention because this problem was not especially acute in Siberia.The lack of attention on alien and invasive species in Siberia is attributed to three major reasons：1） Low vegetative productivity and sparse human populations in the Siberian territory have limited botanical research interest in the area.2） Severe Siberian climate likely prevents many alien and invasive species from increasing their distribution into Siberia.3） Most Siberian plant communities have not been human-transformed and thus may be resistant to newcomers.Nevertheless,recent increased economic activities have resulted in increasing plant migration to Siberia,and this process should be monitored.Furthermore,global environmental changes may also have made Siberia more favorable for more alien and invasive species.Currently,research on alien and invasive species has begun in the Altai-Sayan region（Western Siberia） and the Magadan region （Northeastern Asia）.

Impacts of road on plant invasions in the Middle Mountain region of central Nepal

Biological invasion is triggered by human development activities such as the construction and expansion of road networks.Road verges serve as important habitats and corridors for the distribution of invasive alien plant species(IAPS)between geographically distant habitats.However,the trajectory of plant invasion and the data regarding the impact of roads on IAPS distribution are relatively poor in Nepal.Here,we surveyed two road types(main roads and feeder road)in the Middle Mountain region of central Nepal in order to investigate how different road types are driving the dispersal of IAPS along road verges and the adjacent natural habitats.Systematic sampling was conducted at ca 2.5 km intervals along the roads.At each sampling site,paired plots(25 m×4 m)were sampled:one adjacent to and along the road,and another 20 m away and parallel to it in the interior habitat.Our results revealed that the main road verges had a higher cover(33%)and a larger number of IAPS(14 species)than the feeder road(25%;10 species).The IAPS cover and richness were significantly higher along verges than in the adjacent interior habitats for both road types,indicating that roads are contributing as corridors for the dispersal of IAPS in the Middle Mountain areas of central Nepal.Further,elevation,tree canopy,and disturbances(grazing/mowing/trampling)were found to be the key factors that determine spatial distribution of IAPS along road verges.We emphasize that regular monitoring of vegetation along the road verges can help with the early detection and control of potential IAPS in the region before they become problematic.

The competition between Bidens pilosa and Setaria viridis alters soil microbial composition and soil ecological function

Bidens pilosa is recognized as one of the major invasive plants in China.Its invasion has been associated with significant losses in agriculture,forestry,husbandry,and biodiversity.Soil ecosystems play an important role in alien plant invasion.Microorganisms within the soil act as intermediaries between plants and soil ecological functions,playing a role in regulating soil enzyme activities and nutrient dynamics.Understanding the interactions between invasive plants,soil microorganisms,and soil ecological processes is vital for managing and mitigating the impacts of invasive species on the environment.In this study,we conducted a systematic analysis focusing on B.pilosa and Setaria viridis,a common native companion plant in the invaded area.To simulate the invasion process of B.pilosa,we constructed homogeneous plots consisting of B.pilosa and S.viridis grown separately as monocultures,as well as in mixtures.The rhizosphere and bulk soils were collected from the alien plant B.pilosa and the native plant S.viridis.In order to focus on the soil ecological functional mechanisms that contribute to the successful invasion of B.pilosa,we analyzed the effects of B.pilosa on the composition of soil microbial communities and soil ecological functions.The results showed that the biomass of B.pilosa increased by 27.51% and that of S.viridis was significantly reduced by 66.56%.The organic matter contents in the bulk and rhizosphere soils of B.pilosa were approximately 1.30 times those in the native plant soils.The TN and NO_(3)^(-)contents in the rhizosphere soil of B.pilosa were 1.30 to 2.71 times those in the native plant soils.The activities of acid phosphatase,alkaline phosphatase,and urease in the rhizosphere soil of B.pilosa were 1.98-2.25 times higher than in the native plant soils.Using high-throughput sequencing of the16S rRNA gene,we found that B.pilosa altered the composition of the soil microbial community.Specifically,many genera in Actinobacteria and Proteobacteria were enriched in B.pilosa soils.Further correlation analyses verified that these genera had significantly positive relationships with soil nutrients and enzyme activities.Plant biomass,soil p H,and the contents of organic matter,TN,NO_(3)^(-),TP,AP,TK,and AK were the main factors affecting soil microbial communities.This study showed that the invasion of B.pilosa led to significant alterations in the composition of the soil microbial communities.These changes were closely linked to modifications in plant traits as well as soil physical and chemical properties.Some microbial species related to C,N and P cycling were enriched in the soil invaded by B.pilosa.These findings provide additional support for the hypothesis of soil-microbe feedback in the successful invasion of alien plants.They also offer insights into the ecological mechanism by which soil microbes contribute to the successful invasion of B.pilosa.Overall,our research contributes to a better understanding of the complex interactions between invasive plants,soil microbial communities,and ecosystem dynamics.

Biochar derived from invasive plants improved the pH,macronutrient availability and biological properties better than liming for acid rain-affected soil

Rapid development in industrialization and urbanization causes serious environmental issues,of which acid rain is one of the quintessential hazards,negatively affecting soil ecology.Liming has been investigated for a long time as the most effective amendment to alter the adverse effects of soil acidity resulting from acid rain.Herein,this study tested the biochar produced from invasive plants as an alternative amendment and hypothesized that biochar can maintain better availability of macronutrients under acid rain than liming by improving soil chemical and biological properties.Therefore,a pot experiment was conducted to compare the effects of lime and biochar at two rates(1%and 3%)on soil available nitrogen(N),phosphorous(P)and potassium(K)under simulated acid rain of two pH levels(4.5:pH_(4.5) and 2.5:pH_(2.5))as compared with tap water(pH7.1)as a control treatment.Biochar was produced using different invasive plants,including Blackjack(Biden Pilosa),Wedelia(Wedelia trilobata)and Bitter Vine(Mikania micrantha Kunth).Liming decreased the availability of soil N,P,and K by 36.3%as compared with the control due to the great increment in soil pH and exchangeable calcium(Ca^(2+))by 59%and 16-fold,respectively.Moreover,liming reduced the alpha diversity of soil bacteria and fungi by 27%and 11%,respectively.In contrast,biochar at different types and rates resulted in a fourfold increment in the available N,P,and K as an average under acid rain(pH_(4.5) and pH_(2.5))owing to maintaining a neutral pH(6.5-7),which is the most favorable level for soil microbial and enzymatic activites,and the bioavailability of soil nutrients.Furthermore,biochar caused balanced increments in Ca^(2+)by threefold,cation exchange capacity by 45%,urease activity by 16%,and fungal diversity by 10%,while having a slight reduction in bacterial diversity by 2.5%.Based on the path,correlation,and principal component analyses,the exchangeable aluminum was a moderator for the reductions in macronutrients’availability under acid rain,which decreased by 40%and 35%under liming and biochar,respectively.This study strongly recommended the use of biochar from invasive plants instead of lime for sustainable improvements in soil properties under acid rain.

Forestry activity is one mechanism of invasion by arboreal plants

For a long time,forestry primarily had industrial goals.Volume of wood production was the main criterion of forestry efficacy,and thus rapid-growing arboreal species were cultivated in natural forests.More recently,nature protection has become one of forestry＇s goals.Unfortunately,some introduced,rapid-growing species became aggressive components of natural ecological systems during the interim.In this paper,we first describe a method that we developed to categorize aggressiveness of invasive arboreal plants in natural forest ecosystems of Kazakhstan.We then apply this new scheme to monitoring data of invasive arboreal plants to provide an insight into the invasion potential of different species in the fruit forests of Southeast Kazakhstan.

Germination Biology and Occurrence of Polyembryony in Two Forms of Cats Claw Creeper Vine, Dolichandra unguis-cati (Bignoniaceae): Implications for Its Invasiveness and Management

Cat’s claw creeper vine, Dolichandra unguis-cati (L.) Lohmann (syn. Macfadyena unguis-cati (L.) Gentry), is a major environmental weed in Australia. Two forms (“long” and “short” pod) of the weed occur in Australia. This investigation aimed to evaluate and compare germination behavior and occurrence of polyembryony (production of multiple seedlings from a single seed) in the two forms of the weed. Seeds were germinated in growth chambers set to 10/20°C, 15/25°C, 20/30°C, 30/45°C and 25°C, representing ambient temperature conditions of the region. Germination and polyembryony were monitored over a period of 12 weeks. For all the treatments in this study, seeds from the short pod form exhibited significantly higher germination rates and higher occurrence of polyembryony than those from the long pod form. Seeds from the long pod form did not germinate at the lowest temperature of 10/20°C;in contrast, those of the short pod form germinated under this condition, albeit at a lower rate. Results from this study could explain why the short pod form of D. unguis-cati is the more widely distributed form in Australia, while the long pod form is confined to a few localities. The results have implication in predicting future ranges of both forms of the invasive D. unguis-cati, as well as inform management decisions for control of the weed.

Effects of Region and Elevation on Adaptation of Leaf Functional Traits of an Invasive Plant Erigeron annuus in China

A key scientific challenge relating to the threat of invasive plants on agriculture at the region level is to understand their adaptation and evolution in functional traits.Leaf functional traits,related to growth and resource utilization,might lead to adaptation of invasive plants to the geographical barriers(region or elevation).In the field experiment,we discussed the effects of region and elevation on leaf functional traits on invasive plant Erigeron annuus in farmland habitats in China.We compared leaf size,coefficient of variation(CV)of leaf traits,and fluctuating asymmetry(FA)of E.annuus from three regions(east vs.center vs.west)and two leaf types(vegetative vs.reproductive leaf),and from nine elevations(980-2100 m)in the west region of China.Our results indicated region and leaf type influenced leaf functional traits,and leaf size was significantly higher and CV of leaf traits and FA in reproductive leaves were significantly lower in the east region than in the west and center regions.Elevation and leaf type affected leaf functional traits,and leaf size was significantly higher and CV of leaf traits in reproductive leaves were significantly lower in moderate elevation.E.annuus has higher leaf size and developmental stability(lower CV and FA)in the eastern region due to the longer adaptation period.Therefore,leaf functional traits play an important role in the adaptation of different longitudes and elevations.It can also facilitate the understanding of the invasiveness and adaptation of leaf traits of invasive plants in the agricultural ecosystem during their spread process in China.

Effects of Water Extract of Erigeron canadensis L. on Seed Germination of Plants

[Objective] The paper was to explore the effect of water extract of Erigeron canadensis L. on seed germination of plants. [Method] Using constant temperature culture method, the effects of water extracts of roots, stems and leaves of E. canadensis on seed germination of 14 species of test plants （crops and weeds） were studied. [Result] Water extracts of roots, stems and leaves of E. canadensis had obvious inhibition effect on seed germination of test plants. The water extract of leaves had the strongest inhibition effect, which could completely inhibit the seed germination of Crepis tectorum L., Amaranthus tricolor L. and Chrysanthemum coronarium L. under the lower concentrations of 0.050 and 0.075 g/ml, and completely inhibit seed germination of all the plants under the concentration of 0.400 g/ml except Zea maize L. and Allium fistulosum L.; followed by water extract of stems, and the water extract of roots had the lowest the inhibition effect, except for completely restraining seed germination of Lycopersicum esculentum L. under the concentration of 0.300 g/ml, it still could not completely restrain seed germination of the other plants under the highest concentration of 0.500 g/ml. The inhibition effect of water extract of E. canadensis on seed germination of plants had obvious selectivity, which had more obvious effect on dicotyledonous plants than monocotyledonous plants. [Conclusion] The study provided reference for screening and utilization of allelochemicals of E. canadensis and research on its allelopathy mechanism.

Effects of land-use types and the exotic species,Hypochaeris radicata,on plant diversity in human-transformed landscapes of the biosphere reserve,Jeju Island,Korea

Land-use and plant invasion influence biodiversity.Understanding the effects of land-use types and invasive plants on the ecosystem is crucial for better management and the development of strategic plans for increasing biodiversity in Jeju Island,Korea,a designated Biosphere Reserve by the United Nations Education,Scientific,and Cultural Organization.The effect of the most dominant invasive exotic species,Hypochaeris radicata,on the four land-use types of Jeju Island was investigated.Plant composition,soil characteristics,and plant diversity among four land-use types(cropland,green space,neglected land,and residential)were compared.Among the land-use types,croplands had the most diverse plant composition and the highest richness in exotic and native plant species.Croplands,such as tangerine orchards,which are widely distributed throughout Jeju Island,showed the highest plant diversity because of medium intensity disturbance caused by weed removal.The relative cover of H.radicata did not differ between land-use types.However,H.radicata invasion was negatively related with plant species richness,making this invasive species a threat to the biodiversity of native herbs present in land-use areas.H.radicata adapts to areas with a broad range of soil properties and a variety of land-use types.Therefore,it is crucial to monitor land-use types and patterns of plant invasion to guide the implementation of consistent management and conservation strategies for maintaining ecosystem integrity of the transformed habitat in Jeju Island.

Predicting the Potential Invasion Hotspots of Chromolaena odorata under Current and Future Climate Change Scenarios in Heterogeneous Ecological Landscapes of Mizoram,India

Recent trends in globalization,human mobility surge and global trade aggravated the expansion of alien species introduction leading to invasion by alien plants compounded by climate change.The ability to predict the spread of invasive species within the context of climate change holds significance for accurately identifying vulnerable regions and formulating strategies to contain their wide proliferation and invasion.Anthropogenic activities and recent climate change scenarios increased the risk of Chromolaena odorata invasion and habitat expansion in Mizoram.To forecast its current distribution and habitat suitability amidst climatic alterations in Mizoram,a MaxEnt-driven habitat suitability model was deployed using the default parameters.The resultant model exhibited that the current spatial range of C.odorata occupies 15.37%of geographical areas deemed suitable for varying degrees of invasion.Projections for 2050 and 2070 anticipated an expansion of suitable habitats up to 34.37%of the geographical area of Mizoram,specifically under RCP 2.6 in 2070 in comparison with its present distribution.Currently,the distributional range of C.odorata in Mizoram spans from lower(450 m)to mid elevational ranges up to 1700 meters,with limited presence at higher altitudes.However,the habitat suitability model extrapolates that climate changes will elevate the invasion risk posed by C.odorata across Mizoram,particularly in the North-Western and Central regions.The projection of further territorial expansion and an upward shift in altitudinal range in the future underscores the urgency of instating robust management measures to pre-empt the impact of C.odorata invasion.This study recommends the imperative nature of effective C.odorata management,particularly during the initial stages of invasion.

Phytogeography of the northeastern coast of the Caspian Sea:native flora and recent colonizations

The northeastern coast of the Caspian Sea is one of the youngest territories for plant colonization in Kazakhstan,and the flora of the most recent portion of this coastal area,the New Caspian marine plain,was chosen to study phytogeographical characteristics of plant species,especially as related to alien origin and invasive potential.Because of the recent formation of this flora,I expected that a large proportion of the species may be alien and invasive.After compiling a comprehensive species list from previous research,I identified the taxonomic,life form,ecological,and geographical structures of the flora.The area belongs to the northern type of deserts with continental climate and low annual precipitation.Taxonomic and life form structures show that the flora is specific to Central Asian deserts.Ecological structure demonstrates a high percentage of halophytes,which resulted from their adaptation to soil salinity and shallow ground waters that occur throughout the study area.Geoelements of the flora indicate allochtonous properties of the flora （i.e.species derived from areas outside the study area） with a low proportion of native （Caspian） plants.Alien species are estimated to comprise 12％-19％ of the flora.Although some species have invasive features,severe arid environmental conditions and high salinity of soils and ground waters decrease invasive capacity of exotic plants.However,a threat of expansion of potentially invasive plants exists in the New Caspian marine plain due to the fast growth of anthropogenic habitats associated with recent oil developments.

Experimental culture of non-indigenous Juncus bufonius from King George Island, South Shetland Island, Antarctica

Juncus bufonius L. （Juncaceae） is recognized by the US Department of Agriculture as a weed or invasive plant. Recently, we reported on 3i bufonius L. var. bufonius associated with the native vascular plants Deschampsia antarctica and Colobanthus quitensis in the environs of the Polish Arctowski Station, King George Island, in the Maritime Antarctica. In this study, we evaluated the developmental stages and morphological characteristics of J. bufonius plants cultivated in controlled conditions beginning with seeds obtained from plants of the Antarctic population. Germination occurred at 3 weeks and the germination percentage was low （22.5%）. The average time between the anthesis and seed formation was 7 weeks, similar to that reported for other species in the Juncaceae. According to data reported in the literature, Antarctic individuals were significantly smaller than their relatives growing in other conditions, except for the number of inflorescences. The morphological characteristics of a species vary according to its distribution and the edaphoclimatic environment where it occur; cosmopolitan plants shuch as J. bufonius also have reduced stature in cold environments. The low percentage germination may have been due to water availability in the plant chamber in which the study was conducted. J. bufonius is intolerant of dry environments, and once it suffers hydric stress its recovery is very low; thus, a moister environment could be beneficial. J. bufonius has become established amongst native vegetation near Arctowski Station and without careful control or eradication; it may have the potential to spread far beyond the site, as has happened with the alien grass Poa annua as human disturbance and climate warming increase.