scholarly journals Alien Plant Species in the Agricultural Habitats of Ukraine: Diversity and Risk Assessment

2018 ◽  
Vol 37 (1) ◽  
pp. 24-31
Author(s):  
Raisa Burda
Keyword(s):  
Comparative Method ◽  
Alien Plants ◽  
Alien Plant ◽  
Biotic Diversity ◽  
Migration Barriers ◽  
Adventive Flora ◽  
Native Weeds ◽  
Characteristic Features ◽  
High Level ◽  
Annotated Checklist

AbstractThis paper is the first critical review of the diversity of the Ukrainian adventive flora, which has spread in agricultural habitats in the 21st century. The author’s annotated checklist contains the data on 740 species, subspecies and hybrids from 362 genera and 79 families of non-native weeds. The floristic comparative method was used, and the information was generalised into some categories of five characteristic features: climamorphotype (life form), time and method of introduction, level of naturalisation, and distribution into 22 classes of three habitat types according to European Nature Information System (EUNIS). Two assessments of the ecological risk of alien plants were first conducted in Ukraine according to the European methods: the risk of overcoming natural migration barriers and the risk of their impact on the environment. The exposed impact of invasive alien plants on ecosystems has a convertible character; the obtained information confirms a high level of phytobiotic contamination of agricultural habitats in Ukraine. It is necessary to implement European and national documents regarding the legislative and regulative policy on invasive alien species as one of the threats to biotic diversity.

Does the invasion of Northern Red Oak Quercus rubra in parkland influence the diversity of birds?

Biologia ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 72 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Emilia Grzędzicka ◽  
Katarzyna Kowalik ◽  
Barbara Bacler-Żbikowska
Keyword(s):  
Plant Species ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Coal Industry ◽  
Alien Plants ◽  
Forest Birds ◽  
Bird Diversity ◽  
Red Oak ◽  
Northern Red Oak ◽  
Alien Plant Species ◽  
Alien Plant

AbstractInvasive plants are non-native, but in most cases naturalised, species that have successfully spread outside of their native range. Aliens invaded all habitats, are competing with native plants, thus, after the direct destruction of habitats, invasions are recognised as the second largest danger for biodiversity. Northern Red Oak is one of the most common invasive tree species dispersed primarily by birds, but new studies have shown that it is also spread continuously in a forest stand. The main aim of our research was to check how strong is the invasion of Northern Red Oak in Silesia Park, where it was introduced together with other alien plant species, and how this invasion interacts with bird diversity. Silesia Park was created 65 years ago on the surface largely ravaged by coal industry. Because many studies indicate birds as vectors of alien plants invasion, we examined the bird fauna in a described area, looking for species that can contribute to spreading oaks. Research showed the diversity of 50 bird species. Surface with a presence of Northern Red Oak was characterised by greater participation of alien plant species than the patch of natural forest, which existed there long before the park creation. The greatest bird diversity was found in the most natural part of Silesia Park, and the lowest in the area of invasion, especially in the case of species classified as “forest birds”. The presence of alien plants increased number of “non-forest” birds, mostly synanthropic species. We also found that Northern Red Oak spreads by spontaneous seed dispersal.

Managing Alien Plants for Biodiversity Outcomes—the Need for Triage

2010 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul O. Downey ◽  
Moira C. Williams ◽  
Leonie K. Whiffen ◽  
Bruce A. Auld ◽  
Mark A. Hamilton ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Biodiversity Conservation ◽  
Native Species ◽  
Regional Scale ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Alien Plants ◽  
Plant Management ◽  
Policy Reforms ◽  
Management Decisions ◽  
Alien Plant ◽  
Triage System

AbstractRecognition that alien plants pose a significant threat to biodiversity has not always translated into effective management strategies, policy reforms, and systems to establish priorities. Thus, many alien plant management decisions for the protection of biodiversity occur with limited knowledge of what needs to be protected (other than biodiversity in a generalized sense) or the urgency of actions. To rectify this, we have developed a triage system that enables alien plant management decisions to be made based on (1) the urgency of control relative to the degree of threat posed to biodiversity, compared with (2) the likelihood of achieving a successful conservation outcome as a result of alien plant control. This triage system is underpinned by a two-step approach, which identifies the biodiversity at risk and assesses sites to determine priorities for control. This triage system was initially developed to manage the threat posed by bitou bush to native species in New South Wales (NSW), Australia. It has subsequently been improved with the national assessment of lantana in Australia, and the adaptation from a single to multiple alien plant species approach on a regional scale. This triage system identifies nine levels of priority for alien plant management aimed at biodiversity conservation, ranging from immediate, targeted action to limited or no action. The development of this approach has enabled long-term management priorities to be set for widespread alien plants that are unlikely to be eradicated. It also enables control to occur in a coordinated manner for biodiversity conservation at a landscape scale, rather than as a series of individual unconnected short-term actions.

scholarly journals Major environmental factors and traits of invasive alien plants determine their spatial distribution: a case study in Korea

2021 ◽  
Vol 45 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Minwoo Oh ◽  
Yoonjeong Heo ◽  
Eun Ju Lee ◽  
Hyohyemi Lee
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Factors ◽  
Alien Species ◽  
Plant Species ◽  
Functional Traits ◽  
Invasive Plants ◽  
Alien Plants ◽  
Summer Temperature ◽  
Alien Plant Species ◽  
Alien Plant ◽  
Cold Spots

Abstract Background As trade increases, the influx of various alien species and their spread to new regions are prevalent, making them a general problem globally. Anthropogenic activities and climate change have led to alien species becoming distributed beyond their native range. As a result, alien species can be easily found anywhere, with the density of individuals varying across locations. The prevalent distribution of alien species adversely affects invaded ecosystems; thus, strategic management plans must be established to control them effectively. To this end, this study evaluated hotspots and cold-spots in the degree of distribution of invasive alien plant species, and major environmental factors related to hot spots were identified. We analyzed 10,287 distribution points of 126 species of alien plant species collected through a national survey of alien species using the hierarchical model of species communities (HMSC) framework. Results The explanatory and fourfold cross-validation predictive power of the model were 0.91 and 0.75 as area under the curve (AUC) values, respectively. Hotspots of invasive plants were found in the Seoul metropolitan area, Daegu metropolitan city, Chungcheongbuk-do Province, southwest shore, and Jeju Island. Hotspots were generally found where the highest maximum summer temperature, winter precipitation, and road density were observed. In contrast, seasonality in temperature, annual temperature range, precipitation during summer, and distance to rivers and the sea were negatively correlated to hotspots. The model showed that functional traits accounted for 55% of the variance explained by environmental factors. Species with a higher specific leaf area were found where temperature seasonality was low. Taller species were associated with a larger annual temperature range. Heavier seed mass was associated with a maximum summer temperature > 29 °C. Conclusions This study showed that hotspots contained 2.1 times more alien plants on average than cold-spots. Hotspots of invasive plants tended to appear under less stressful climate conditions, such as low fluctuations in temperature and precipitation. In addition, disturbance by anthropogenic factors and water flow positively affected hotspots. These results were consistent with previous reports on the ruderal and competitive strategies of invasive plants, not the stress-tolerant strategy. Our results supported that the functional traits of alien plants are closely related to the ecological strategies of plants by shaping the response of species to various environmental filters. Therefore, to control alien plants effectively, the occurrence of disturbed sites where alien plants can grow in large quantities should be minimized, and the waterfront of rivers must be managed.

scholarly journals To the study of alien species in the flora of Khakassia

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
A.L. Ebel ◽  
◽  
S.A. Sheremetova ◽  
I.A. Khrustaleva ◽  
T.O. Strelnikova ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Invasive Plants ◽  
Vascular Plants ◽  
Field Studies ◽  
Alien Plants ◽  
Black Book ◽  
Alien Plant Species ◽  
Alien Plant ◽  
Scientific Network ◽  
Alien Flora ◽  
The Republic

As a result of the field studies, analysis of publications and herbarium materials, it has been established that by now the alien flora of the Republic of Khakassia includes about 140 species of vascular plants. Of this number, more than 30 species are invasive plants included in the “Black Book of Flora of Siberia” (2016). In recent years, there has been both a fairly rapid replenishment of the flora with alien plants and a noticeable dispersal of a number of invasive species across the territory of Khakassia. For the purpose of monitoring alien plant species, we use the capabilities of the international scientific network iNaturalist.org.

scholarly journals DEFICIENCIES OF PLATO’S DEMOCRATIC SYSTEM

2019 ◽  
pp. 37-43
Author(s):  
Iryna Liashchenko
Keyword(s):  
Political System ◽  
Comparative Method ◽  
Human Soul ◽  
Systematic Method ◽  
Rapid Degradation ◽  
Methodological Basis ◽  
Democratic System ◽  
Characteristic Features ◽  
Democratic Election ◽  
Proper Operation

Main objective of the study. The objective of the study is to identify deficiencies of the democratic political system in order to protect democracy from rapid degradation into tyranny. Methodology. The systematic method was selected as the methodological basis for the research, as it enables the consideration of Plato’s democratic system as interdependent with other types of states. The comparative method proved to be effective for distinguishing the characteristic features of the aristocratic, timocratic, oligarchic, democratic and tyrannical state of the human soul and Plato’s system of government.Findings and conclusions. To enable proper operation of democracy, it requires protection from its own deficiencies. These deficiencies include the following: firstly, the flaw of haughty, arrogant attitude towards wise talented naturally eminent people and the fear of their coming to power originates from timocracy; secondly, just as «barns with gold» destroyed the timocratic and oligarchic type of state, so the residues of these «barns» turn into a flaw of democracy in the form of a social abyss between the most affluent and the most deprived strata of the society; thirdly, this is excessive will in democracy that is gradually turning into excessive slavery. Regarding the latter, Plato emphasizes the anarchic extreme of freedom in democracy, which turns it into arbitrariness. After all, in a democracy there is no need to participate in government; not necessarily obey; no go to war; neither obey peace or laws, etc. The main consequence of all these deficiencies in the democratic system is the fostering of a future tyrant rooting from a people’s deputy. Since the thinker points out that no matter how many times a tyrant appears, he does not come from somewhere, but only from a democratic election procedure.

scholarly journals Alien woody plants are more versatile than native, but both share similar therapeutic redundancy in South Africa

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (11) ◽  
pp. e0260390
Author(s):  
Kowiyou Yessoufou ◽  
Annie Estelle Ambani ◽  
Hosam O. Elansary ◽  
Orou G. Gaoue
Keyword(s):  
Plant Species ◽  
Native Species ◽  
Native Plants ◽  
Invasion Biology ◽  
Alien Plants ◽  
Parasitic Infections ◽  
Alien Plant Species ◽  
Secondary Chemistry ◽  
Alien Plant ◽  
Medicinal Flora

Understanding why alien plant species are incorporated into the medicinal flora in several local communities is central to invasion biology and ethnobiology. Theories suggest that alien plants are incorporated in local pharmacopoeias because they are more versatile or contribute unique secondary chemistry which make them less therapeutically redundant, or simply because they are locally more abundant than native species. However, a lack of a comprehensive test of these hypotheses limits our understanding of the dynamics of plants knowledge, use and potential implications for invasion. Here, we tested the predictions of several of these hypotheses using a unique dataset on the woody medicinal flora of southern Africa. We found that the size of a plant family predicts the number of medicinal plants in that family, a support for the non-random hypothesis of medicinal plant selection. However, we found no support for the diversification hypothesis: i) both alien and native plants were used in the treatment of similar diseases; ii) significantly more native species than alien contribute to disease treatments particularly of parasitic infections and obstetric-gynecological diseases, and iii) alien and native species share similar therapeutic redundancy. However, we found support for the versatility hypothesis, i.e., alien plants were more versatile than natives. These findings imply that, although alien plant species are not therapeutically unique, they do provide more uses than native plants (versatility), thus suggesting that they may not have been introduced primarily for therapeutic reasons. We call for similar studies to be carried out on alien herbaceous plants for a broader understanding of the integration of alien plants into the pharmacopoeias of the receiving communities.

Biological invasions as natural hazards: towards building a strategy to cope with invasive alien plants

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexandros Galanidis ◽  
Chrysanthi Michelaki ◽  
Panagiotis Dimitrakopoulos
Keyword(s):  
Risk Assessment ◽  
Biological Invasions ◽  
Natural Hazards ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Early Warning Systems ◽  
Alien Plants ◽  
Cultivated Plants ◽  
Alien Plant ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Prioritization Scheme

<p>Biological invasions can be compared to natural hazards as besides their environmental effect can also produce rapid and damaging socioeconomic impacts. Additionally, their causes and consequences are generally well understood yet difficult to predict, and their incidence is almost unfeasible to control. For both phenomena, it is their random and uncontrollable nature that demand planning for the worst. Therefore, biological invasions and natural hazards require similar management strategies and commitments.</p><p>The aim of this study was to support decision makers and stakeholders in Lesvos Island Greece in prioritizing high impact alien plant species. We applied an integrated framework that combined a literature review and a systematic roadside survey of alien plants presence, along with their distribution, abundances, habitat preferences and impacts. Relied on this solid base we structured a prioritization scheme that would identify and rank aliens according to their invasiveness and produce alert lists of the most invasive ones. Two Risk Assessment protocols were implemented: the European and Mediterranean Plant Protection Organization (EPPO) prioritization scheme, and the Australian Weed Risk Assessment (A-WRA). Each screening method delivered assessment lists that classified aliens as <em>invasive</em>, <em>possibly invasive</em>, and <em>non-invasive</em>. With the aim of benchmarking the performances of the two methods we compared their results with a third invasiveness estimation performed by a panel of experts at national level.</p><p>In total, 151 alien plants from 53 different families were found. The most abundant families were Asteraceae (10%), Amaranthaceae and Poaceae (9%), and Fabaceae (8%). A subset of 87 species, which excluded urban, ornamental, or cultivated plants with rare occurrences and no documented impacts, was assessed. According to the EPPO scheme, 8% of species categorized as invasive, 57% as possibly invasive and 34% as non-invasive. The A-WRA method was stricter, classifying 80% of species as invasive, 14% as possibly invasive and only 6% as non-invasive. Compared to expert’s opinion, EPPO scheme indicated a 10% match for invasive and a 43% for non-invasive species, whereas A-WRA an 83% and 14% respectively.</p><p>Main ranking differences between the two methods are due to the diverse input information each one requires, and to differences in the relevant importance of that information to the final ranking. A-WRA is a precautionary method that rejects even minor invaders, whereas EPPO method is a rapid prioritization tool that provides information for a subsequent appropriate Pest Risk Analysis. Our framework delivers critical information and can improve the development of early-warning systems that would promote successful preventative management strategies for biological invasions.</p><p><em><strong>Acknowledgements</strong>: This research is co-financed by Greece and the European Union (European Social Fund- ESF) through the Operational Programme “Human Resources Development, Education and Lifelong Learning 2014-2020” in the context of the project “An Integrative Framework for the Study of Alien Flora” (MIS 5049419).</em></p>

scholarly journals Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumour (DSRCT) - A Case Report and Review of Literature

2014 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 79-82
Author(s):  
AKM Amirul Morshed ◽  
Farhana Afroz ◽  
Chowdhury Md. Fuad Galib ◽  
Shahnoor Islam ◽  
Kaniz Hasina ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Unusual Case ◽  
Round Cell ◽  
Review Of Literature ◽  
Lower Abdomen ◽  
Small Round Cell ◽  
Undifferentiated Cells ◽  
Characteristic Features ◽  
Immunohistochemical Evidence ◽  
High Level ◽  
Small Round Cell Tumour

Desmoplastic small round cell tumor (DSRCT) is a rare pathologic entity that most frequently affects the peritoneal cavity and presents in pediatric and adolescent boys. It often presents at an advanced stage and has a generally poor prognosis. Sometimes it may involve liver at diagnosis. We present an unusual case of DSRCT who was present with mass in lower abdomen, pain, hepatomegaly and mild ascites. This tumor is characterized by nests of small undifferentiated cells that show immunohistochemical evidence of epithelial, mesenchymal and neural differentiation. In our patient histologicaly tumor had the characteristic features of DSRCT and were composed of small round cells with hyperchromatic nuclei and scanty cytoplasm. With various difficulties in diagnosis we ultimately reached at diagnosis by open biopsy and immunohistochemistry. Now patient is on multidrug chemotherapy (modified p6 protocol). Diagnosis and management of a rare tumor needs high level of suspicion and in time intervention.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jpsb.v2i2.19552

scholarly journals Assessment of Useful Alien Plant Species Cultivated and Managed in Rural Home Gardens of Limpopo Province, South Africa

Scientifica ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Sebua Silas Semenya ◽  
Alfred Maroyi
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Plant Species ◽  
Construction Materials ◽  
Alien Plants ◽  
Limpopo Province ◽  
Home Gardens ◽  
Substantial Part ◽  
Alien Plant Species ◽  
Alien Plant ◽  
Use Categories

Several communities in developing countries derive substantial part of their livelihood needs from alien plants cultivated and managed in home gardens. The aim of this study was to assess useful alien plant species cultivated and managed in home gardens of Limpopo province in South Africa. Semistructured interviews, personal observation, and guided walks with 300 participants between January 2015 and December 2016 were employed to obtain data on names of alien plants cultivated in home gardens and their use categories. A total of 101 plant species belonging to 44 families were recorded from the study area. More than half of the species (66.3%) belonged to 14 families, Fabaceae, Asteraceae, Rosaceae, Solanaceae, Lamiaceae, Anacardiaceae, Poaceae, Amaranthaceae, Apocynaceae, Brassicaceae, Cactaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Moraceae, and Myrtaceae. Twenty-six use categories of alien plants were identified in this study with the majority of species (75.2%) used for medicinal purposes, followed by ornamental (33.7%), edible fruits (24.8%), spices (16.8%), vegetables (16.8%), shade (11.9%), beverages (10.9%), construction materials (8.9%), firewood (7.9%), and hedge (7.9%). These findings corroborate the existing body of knowledge emphasizing the importance of plants grown and managed in home gardens to the livelihood needs of local communities.

scholarly journals The role of rivers and streams in the migration of alien plants into the Polish Carpathians

2011 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 43-56 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adam Zając ◽  
Barbara Tokarska-Guzik ◽  
Maria Zając
Keyword(s):  
Alien Species ◽  
Alien Plants ◽  
Anthropogenic Factors ◽  
Invasive Alien Plants ◽  
Alien Plant ◽  
The Carpathians ◽  
Rivers And Streams ◽  
Polish Carpathians ◽  
River Valleys

The role of rivers and streams in the migration of alien plants into the Polish CarpathiansThe Carpathians are among the regions of Poland that are generally less susceptible to invasive alien plants. The factor limiting the spread of the species of this group is, above all, the mountain climate. Even species originating from other mountain regions, e.g. the HimalayanImpatiens glandulifera, have their localities only at low elevations, in the Carpathian foothills. In most cases, alien plant species migrate into the Carpathians from the lowlands. The river valleys provide the migration corridors used by alien species in the course of their progress into new territories of the upper mountain localities. The situation along some mountain rivers, where invasive alien species dominate the native vegetation, is dramatic. Their spread is facilitated not only by easy diaspore transport but also by some anthropogenic factors, such as, river engineering and the transformation of riparian habitats and progressing devastation. Currently, we can observe some invasive alien plants "in statu nascendi", developing a new, secondary range in the Carpathians (e.g.Chaerophyllum aureum) or at the foothills, along the Wisła (Vistula) and San river valleys (e.g.Eragrostis albensis). For some species, cities were the destination for the first stage of future migration, e.g.Acer negundo. In the Carpathians, where many national parks and nature reserves are located, the continuous monitoring of the spread of invasive alien plants should be one of the principal activities of botanists.

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