Global change, global trade, and the next wave of plant invasions

Abstract

Many non‐native plants in the US have become problematic invaders of native and managed ecosystems, but a new generation of invasive species may be at our doorstep. Here, we review trends in the horticultural trade and invasion patterns of previously introduced species and show that novel species introductions from emerging horticultural trade partners are likely to rapidly increase invasion risk. At the same time, climate change and water restrictions are increasing demand for new types of species adapted to warm and dry environments. This confluence of forces could expose the US to a range of new invasive species, including many from tropical and semiarid Africa as well as the Middle East. Risk assessment strategies have proven successful elsewhere at identifying and preventing invasions, although some modifications are needed to address emerging threats. Now is the time to implement horticulture import screening measures to prevent this new wave of plant invasions.

Arboricultural Introductions and Long-Term Changes for Invasive Woody Plants in Remnant Urban Forests

“…Considering the recognition of and distribution of invasive woody taxa, floristic monitoring of remnant urban forests is essential to determine if particular invasive woody species have an expanding range [43]. Recent phenomena such as warming climate causing growing conditions to become more favorable for invasive woody taxa [44] and the introduction of large herbivores which open habitats [45] can permit invasive trees and shrubs to rapidly spread across a remnant urban forest. Knowing which invasive trees and shrubs are present is the first step in achieving the goal of invasive woody species eradication [46]; however, arguments are being made to eschew the negative connotations of alien and invasive species and to not support eradication efforts [47].…”

Impacts of climate change on plant diseases—opinions and trends

“…anthropogenic processes such as air, water and soil pollution, long-distance introduction of exotic species and urbanization (Gurr et al 2011;Bradley et al 2012;Matyssek et al 2012;Régnière 2012). Predictions on how changes in climate will affect plant health at various spatio-temporal scales (from seasons to centuries, from the genetic to the ecosystem level, from farms to watersheds and entire continents) are based on: (i) already observed effects of climate change on plant diseases, (ii) extrapolation from expert knowledge and experimental studies, and (iii) computer models.…”

Exotic Plant Species in the Mediterranean Biome: A Reflection of Cultural and Historical Relationships

“…As a result, species movement and worldwide interconnectedness have become more intensive, occurring across wider space and in a shorter time than before [23]. Thus, humans' activities have radically modified species' distance dispersal and areas of distribution [18,[24][25][26][27].…”