Distribution of Invasive Alien Species in Korean Croplands

Abstract

ABSTRACT.Invasive alien species (IAS) can affect agricultural ecosystem negatively and critically. The geographical distributions of nine IAS plants in Korean orchards and uplands were investigated. Ambrosia artemisiifolia distributed widely in Korean peninsula and Ambrosia trifida distributed intensively in Gyeonggi-do. Aster pilosus distributed in Gyeonggi-Gangwon region and Lactuca scariola distributed linear region from the north-western to south-eastern part of Korea. Hypochaeris radicata distributed mainly in Jeju-do and Solanum carolinense distributed in eastern Gyeonggi-do. Rumex acetosella and Sicyos angulatus sporadically occurred in Korean croplands and Eupatorium rugosum was found in one region only. The distribution of IAS plants in croplands was very similar to that in non-croplands suggesting that ecological position of arable lands is not different from that of non-arable lands. Therefore, IAS plants in the croplands should be managed for not only prevention of yield reduction, but also protection or maintenance of original ecosystem. Development of management methods apposite to current Korean status are required to control IAS plants in croplands.