Invasive Plants: Impacts and Control

All plants, which are not native to a specific location and have a potential to cause damage to the human economy, environment and human health are known as invasive plants. Exotic pest plants and invasive exotics are two primary categories of invasive plants. Kudzu vine, yellow starthistle and Andean pampas grass are some examples of such plants. They possess specific traits that guarantee their survival as compared to native species. Some of the traits of invasive species are rapid reproduction, fast growth, high tolerance and dispersal ability, etc. Some of the adverse effects of invasive species are extinction of native species, biodiversity loss, reduction in agricultural yield and forage loss. The geomorphological effects of invasive plants can be positive in nature such as bioprotection and bioconstruction. Restoration is an effective tool in the reduction of the spread of invasive plant species. This involves removing such species, reducing the invasive seeds that are dispersed to surrounding areas, using native species that are similar to invasive species to compete with invasive species, etc. The topics included in this book on invasive plants and their impacts and control are of utmost significance and bound to provide incredible insights to readers. It is appropriate for students seeking detailed information in this area as well as for experts.