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The Use and Management of Invasive Plants
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The Use and Management of Invasive Plants

A topical collection in Plants (ISSN 2223-7747). This collection belongs to the section "Plant Ecology".

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Editors

Dr. Danijela Poljuha

E-Mail Website1 Website2
Collection Editor
Institute of Agriculture and Tourism Poreč, Poreč, Croatia
Interests: plant genetics; molecular markers; plant genetic resources; conservation; collections; genetic diversity invasive species; phytochemicals; phytopharmaceuticals; ecosystem services; citizen science
Dr. Barbara Sladonja

E-Mail Website
Collection Editor
Institute of Agriculture and Tourism Poreč, Poreč, Croatia
Interests: Plant Ecology; Ecological Assessment; Inventory; Mapping; Biodiversity; Invasive Species; Phytochemicals; Phytopharmaceuticals; Ecosystem Services; Citizen Science

Topical Collection Information

Dear Colleagues,

Invasive species are recognised as one of the largest global threats to biodiversity. Introduced species may become invasive and displace native species, affect ecosystem processes and functioning, and cause substantial economic losses. The management of invasive species is challenging. There is a broad spectrum of innovative methods in their monitoring and eradication, often with partial success. This encourages other possibilities in their control – the use of invasive species as providers of ecosystem services.   

Invasive plants are rich in specialised metabolites. Many studies proved that phytochemical uniqueness is essential in their invasion ability. Antimicrobial agents produced by plants' specialised metabolism serve as their natural protective mechanism, increasing their competitiveness, and therefore many invasive plant species possess antifungal and antibacterial activity. Thus, plant extracts or plant specialised metabolites that are nontoxic and are specific in their action are considered as a possible alternative to many pharmaceuticals. They could also be active ingredients of natural preparations, such as pesticides and herbicides, in organic crop production. Since the availability of plant material is often a limiting factor, invasive species, abundant and not desired in a natural environment are of great potential for human use.

This Collection welcomes the submission of review and research papers or short communications on topics related to the management of invasive species but also of their potential for providing new ecosystem services, primarily medicinal (as phytopharmaceuticals) and agricultural (as alternative herbicides and pesticides).

Dr. Danijela Poljuha
Dr. Barbara Sladonja
Collection Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the collection website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Plants is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • Invasive species;

  • Ecosystem services;

  • Management;

  • Phytochemicals;

  • Phytopharmaceuticals;

  • Antimicrobial activity;

  • Biodiversity preservation；

  • Ecological agriculture

Published Papers (9 papers)

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2022

Jump to: 2021

20 pages, 3028 KiB  
Article
Utilization of Biomasses from Landscape Conservation Growths Dominated by Common Ragwort (Jacobaea vulgaris Gaertn.) for Biomethanization
by Jürgen Müller, Denny Wiedow, Mohammad Said Chmit and Till Beuerle
Plants 2022, 11(6), 813; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11060813 - 18 Mar 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2707
Abstract
The highly toxic species common ragwort (Jacobaea vulgaris Gaertn.) prefers to migrate into protected dry grassland biotopes and limits the use of the resulting biomass as animal feed. There is an urgent need for a safe alternative use of the contaminated biomass [...] Read more.
The highly toxic species common ragwort (Jacobaea vulgaris Gaertn.) prefers to migrate into protected dry grassland biotopes and limits the use of the resulting biomass as animal feed. There is an urgent need for a safe alternative use of the contaminated biomass apart from landfill disposal. We investigated the optional utilization of biomethanization of fresh and ensiled common ragwort biomasses and evaluated their energetic potentials by estimation models based on biochemical characteristics and by standardized batch experiments. The fresh and ensiled substrates yielded 174 LN∙kg−1 oDM methane and 185 LN∙kg−1 oDM, respectively. Ensiling reduced the toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloid content by 76.6%; a subsequent wet fermentation for an additional reduction is recommended. In comparison with other biomasses from landscape cultivation, ragwort biomass can be ensiled readily but has a limited energy potential if harvested at its peak flowering stage. Considering these properties and limitations, the energetic utilization is a promising option for a sustainable handling of Senecio-contaminated biomasses in landscape conservation practice and represents a safe alternative for reducing pyrrolizidine alkaloid entry into the agri-food sector. Full article
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15 pages, 543 KiB  
Article
LC–DAD–MS Phenolic Characterisation of Six Invasive Plant Species in Croatia and Determination of Their Antimicrobial and Cytotoxic Activity
by Danijela Poljuha, Barbara Sladonja, Ivana Šola, Mateja Šenica, Mirela Uzelac, Robert Veberič, Metka Hudina, Ibukun Michael Famuyide, Jacobus N. Eloff and Maja Mikulic-Petkovsek
Plants 2022, 11(5), 596; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11050596 - 23 Feb 2022
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3120
Abstract
Invasive plants’ phytochemicals are important for their invasiveness, enabling them to spread in new environments. However, these chemicals could offer many pharmaceutical compounds or active ingredients for herbal preparations. This study provides the first LC–MS phytochemical screening of six invasive alien plant species [...] Read more.
Invasive plants’ phytochemicals are important for their invasiveness, enabling them to spread in new environments. However, these chemicals could offer many pharmaceutical compounds or active ingredients for herbal preparations. This study provides the first LC–MS phytochemical screening of six invasive alien plant species (IAPS) in the Istria region (Croatia): Ailanthus altissima, Ambrosia artemisiifolia, Conyza canadensis, Dittrichia viscosa, Erigeron annuus, and Xanthium strumarium. The study aims to identify and quantify the phenolic content of their leaf extracts and assess their antimicrobial and cytotoxic potential. A total of 32 species-specific compounds were recorded. Neochlorogenic, chlorogenic, and 5-p-coumaroylquinic acids, quercetin-3-glucoside, and kaempferol hexoside were detected in all the tested IAPS. Hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives were the main components in all the tested IAPS, except in E. annuus, where flavanones dominated with a share of 70%. X. strumarium extract had the best activity against the tested bacteria, with an average MIC value of 0.11 mg/mL, while A. altissima and X. strumarium extracts had the best activity against the tested fungi, with an average MIC value of 0.21 mg/mL in both cases. All the plant extracts studied, except X. strumarium, were less cytotoxic than the positive control. The results provided additional information on the phytochemical properties of IAPS and their potential for use as antimicrobial agents. Full article
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2021

Jump to: 2022

15 pages, 1252 KiB  
Review
Review of the Biology, Distribution, and Management of the Invasive Fireweed (Senecio madagascariensis Poir)
by Kusinara Wijayabandara, Shane Campbell, Joseph Vitelli, Asad Shabbir and Steve Adkins
Plants 2022, 11(1), 107; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11010107 - 30 Dec 2021
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3379
Abstract
Whilst exotic invasive species are a major threat to natural and modified ecosystems around the world, management programs to reduce their impacts often fail due to a lack of information about their biology and how best to control them in various situations. This [...] Read more.
Whilst exotic invasive species are a major threat to natural and modified ecosystems around the world, management programs to reduce their impacts often fail due to a lack of information about their biology and how best to control them in various situations. This paper reviews the currently available information on the biology, distribution, and management options for the invasive weed Senecio madagascariensis Poir. (fireweed). In addition, we developed a model to predict the climatic suitability of this weed around the world based on the current climate. Senecio madagascariensis originates from southern Africa but it has been introduced to several other countries including Australia. Climatic suitability suggests that there are large areas around the world suitable for the weed’s growth where it is currently not present. The weed poses a major threat to livestock industries in these countries through its ability to reduce pasture production and poison animals. A range of control techniques have been used to try and manage S. madagascariensis. This paper highlights how a better understanding of the biology of S. madagascariensis can help determine the most effective treatments to impose and to further develop integrated management strategies. Besides using traditional approaches, the use of competitive pastures and more tolerant livestock (such as sheep and goats) are some of the other options recommended as part of an integrated approach. On-going research to identify host-specific biological control agents is also considered a priority. Full article
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11 pages, 634 KiB  
Article
Exploring the Phytochemicals of Acacia melanoxylon R. Br.
by Diana Alves, Sidónio Duarte, Pedro Arsénio, Joana Gonçalves, Cecília M. P. Rodrigues, Ana Lourenço and Patrícia Máximo
Plants 2021, 10(12), 2698; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10122698 - 8 Dec 2021
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2889
Abstract
Invasive species are currently a world menace to the environment, although the study of their chemistry may provide a means for their future beneficial use. From a study of Portuguese Acacia melanoxylon R. Br. five known compounds were isolated: lupeol, 3β-Z-coumaroyl [...] Read more.
Invasive species are currently a world menace to the environment, although the study of their chemistry may provide a means for their future beneficial use. From a study of Portuguese Acacia melanoxylon R. Br. five known compounds were isolated: lupeol, 3β-Z-coumaroyl lupeol, 3β-E-coumaroyl lupeol (dioslupecin A), kolavic acid 15-methyl ester and vomifoliol (blumenol A). Their structures were elucidated by 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry, and as a result some corrections are made to their previous 13C NMR assignments. Cytotoxicity of 3β-E-coumaroyl lupeol (dioslupecin A) and kolavic acid 15-methyl ester was evaluated against HCT116 human colorectal cancer cells although biological activity was not evident. Full article
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22 pages, 944 KiB  
Review
New Approaches on Japanese Knotweed (Fallopia japonica) Bioactive Compounds and Their Potential of Pharmacological and Beekeeping Activities: Challenges and Future Directions
by Alexandra-Antonia Cucu, Gabriela-Maria Baci, Ştefan Dezsi, Mircea-Emil Nap, Florin Ioan Beteg, Victoriţa Bonta, Otilia Bobiş, Emilio Caprio and Daniel Severus Dezmirean
Plants 2021, 10(12), 2621; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10122621 - 29 Nov 2021
Cited by 17 | Viewed by 7155
Abstract
Known especially for its negative ecological impact, Fallopia japonica (Japanese knotweed) is now considered one of the most invasive species. Nevertheless, its chemical composition has shown, beyond doubt, some high biological active compounds that can be a source of valuable pharmacological potential for [...] Read more.
Known especially for its negative ecological impact, Fallopia japonica (Japanese knotweed) is now considered one of the most invasive species. Nevertheless, its chemical composition has shown, beyond doubt, some high biological active compounds that can be a source of valuable pharmacological potential for the enhancement of human health. In this direction, resveratrol, emodin or polydatin, to name a few, have been extensively studied to demonstrate the beneficial effects on animals and humans. Thus, by taking into consideration the recent advances in the study of Japanese knotweed and its phytochemical constituents, the aim of this article is to provide an overview on the high therapeutic potential, underlining its antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and anticancer effects, among the most important ones. Moreover, we describe some future directions for reducing the negative impact of Fallopia japonica by using the plant for its beekeeping properties in providing a distinct honey type that incorporates most of its bioactive compounds, with the same health-promoting properties. Full article
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18 pages, 1200 KiB  
Review
Review of Existing Knowledge and Practices of Tarping for the Control of Invasive Knotweeds
by Marie-Anne Dusz, François-Marie Martin, Fanny Dommanget, Anne Petit, Caroline Dechaume-Moncharmont and André Evette
Plants 2021, 10(10), 2152; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10102152 - 11 Oct 2021
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3907
Abstract
Managing invasive exotic plant species is a complex challenge, especially for Asian knotweeds (Reynoutria spp.). Tarping is a regularly cited but poorly documented control method, which consists of covering the ground with a tarp (agricultural tarp, geotextile, geomembrane, etc.) to create a [...] Read more.
Managing invasive exotic plant species is a complex challenge, especially for Asian knotweeds (Reynoutria spp.). Tarping is a regularly cited but poorly documented control method, which consists of covering the ground with a tarp (agricultural tarp, geotextile, geomembrane, etc.) to create a physical barrier to hinder plant growth and deprive the plants of light in order to deplete their rhizomatous reserves. To improve our knowledge of tarping in order to identify the key factors of its success or failure, we reviewed the relevant grey and scientific literature and conducted an international survey among managers to collect feedback on tarping experiments. In the literature, as well as in the field, practices are quite heterogeneous, and the method’s effectiveness is highly contrasted. A better consideration of knotweed biology may improve the efficacy of the method. Based on the bibliography and survey work, we propose practical recommendations including covering the entire stand, extending the tarping up to 2.5 m beyond its edges for a period of at least six years, and ensuring regular monitoring. Even though tarping does not seem to be a one-size-fits-all solution to eradicate knotweed, it could still be a useful control method once knotweed has become a critical management issue. Full article
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14 pages, 1130 KiB  
Article
UHPLC Analysis of Reynoutria japonica Houtt. Rhizome Preparations Regarding Stilbene and Anthranoid Composition and Their Antimycobacterial Activity Evaluation
by Fabian Alperth, Lena Melinz, Johannes-Paul Fladerer and Franz Bucar
Plants 2021, 10(9), 1809; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10091809 - 30 Aug 2021
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3254
Abstract
Reynoutria japonica Houtt. is a critical invasive alien plant in Europe and North America with a drastic impact on native flora. However, R. japonica has medicinal potential, especially as a source of stilbenes. In order to explore the potential of simple extractions of [...] Read more.
Reynoutria japonica Houtt. is a critical invasive alien plant in Europe and North America with a drastic impact on native flora. However, R. japonica has medicinal potential, especially as a source of stilbenes. In order to explore the potential of simple extractions of R. japonica, we conducted qualitative and quantitative analyses of fresh R. japonica rhizome infusion, decoction, and macerates with ethanol by UHPLC-DAD-ESI-MSn and UHPLC-DAD, with a focus on major constituent groups of stilbenes and anthranoids. Since R. japonica rhizome extracts showed antimicrobial potential in the past, we also evaluated the antimycobacterial effect of raw R. japonica extracts for the first time against Mycobacterium smegmatis. Of thirty-four characterized substances, six were stilbenes and twelve anthranoids. The main constituents, four trans-stilbenes and eight anthranoids, were quantified in a validated UHPLC-DAD method. The 38% ethanol macerate showed high stilbene (155.078 mg/100 g fluid extract) and low anthranoid content (5.420 mg/100 g fluid extract), while decoction showed the highest anthranoids. Antimycobacterial testing gave good results for all macerates (MIC 256 µg/mL) and trans-resveratrol (64 µg/mL). Extraction and enrichment of stilbenes from fresh plant material by simple extraction methods with food-grade solvents might encourage consideration of wild harvest of rhizomes over classic means of eradication of R. japonica. Full article
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19 pages, 12629 KiB  
Article
The Role of Flavonoids in Invasion Strategy of Solidago canadensis L.
by Artur Likhanov, Marian Oliinyk, Nataliia Pashkevych, Andrii Churilov and Mykola Kozyr
Plants 2021, 10(8), 1748; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10081748 - 23 Aug 2021
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 4563
Abstract
This study provides data on the problem of potential complexation of phenolic compounds synthesized by the plants Solidago canadensis L. and Solidago gigantea Ait. with ammonium forms of nitrogen, partly immobilized in the soil. A comparative analysis of secondary metabolites of the studied [...] Read more.
This study provides data on the problem of potential complexation of phenolic compounds synthesized by the plants Solidago canadensis L. and Solidago gigantea Ait. with ammonium forms of nitrogen, partly immobilized in the soil. A comparative analysis of secondary metabolites of the studied plants was performed by HPLC. The leaves of invasively active Solidago canadensis contain nine times more rutin than the plants of Solidago gigantea. Adding to the leaf extracts (v/v1/20) aqueous ammonia solution to pH 8.0 on the chromatograms decreases the intensity or completely causes peaks of flavonoids to disappear; instead, there are peaks of new polar substances (tR 1.5 and 2.0 min). The selective effect of the phenol-ammonium complex on various plant species was revealed. At a concentration of 20 μg/mL, these substances stimulated the formation of lateral roots in soybean seedlings and chrysanthemum cuttings. The suppression of root growth in radish seedlings occurred at a concentration of flavonoids in the extract of 25 μg/mL. In addition, a positive chemotaxis of the Pseudomonas putida (PGPR) was detected in the nitrogen-containing complex based on rutin (5 μg/mL). The identified feature allows PGPR colonization of the root system of Solidago canadensis with corresponding changes in the structure of the microbial community. The ability of the obtained nitrogen-containing polar complexes to regulate the growth processes of plants at extremely low concentration points to promising research in this direction. Full article
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13 pages, 755 KiB  
Review
A Path Forward: Promoting Microbial-Based Methods in the Control of Invasive Plant Species
by Maryam Shahrtash and Shawn P. Brown
Plants 2021, 10(5), 943; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10050943 - 9 May 2021
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 4294
Abstract
In this review, we discuss the unrealized potential of incorporating plant–microbe and microbe–microbe interactions into invasive plant management strategies. While the development of this as a viable strategy is in its infancy, we argue that incorporation of microbial components into management plans should [...] Read more.
In this review, we discuss the unrealized potential of incorporating plant–microbe and microbe–microbe interactions into invasive plant management strategies. While the development of this as a viable strategy is in its infancy, we argue that incorporation of microbial components into management plans should be a priority and has great potential for diversifying sustainable control options. We advocate for increased research into microbial-mediated phytochemical production, microbial controls to reduce the competitiveness of invasive plants, microbial-mediated increases of herbicidal tolerance of native plants, and to facilitate increased pathogenicity of plant pathogens of invasive plants. Full article
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