Potential effects of domestication on non-native plant invasion risk

Abstract

Plant domestication can increase propagule pressure and alter functional traits that may contribute to invasion risk, such as high productivity. Domesticated biotypes (i.e., any cultivar, variety, or other infraspecific taxa that have been domesticated) have a unique evolutionary history that often involves enhanced propagule pressure, selection of traits for human use, and cultural practices to increase establishment success. These elements can alter the invasion process from that of non-domesticated non-native species. Understanding which traits are consistently selected for, how strongly those traits are altered by selection, and in which cases they influence invasion risk would facilitate actions that reduce impacts of domesticated biotypes on natural and agricultural systems. We identified commonalities in trait selection and management intensity among groups of domesticated biotypes selected for particular purposes (e.g., food, ornamental, and biomass production) that indicate predictable invasion risk and management approaches for biotypes from each group. Broadly, food crops that rely on high intensity management tend to have relatively low invasion risk, while biotypes developed for ornamental purposes are subject to more variable management intensity and may have greater risk of establishment and spread in natural areas without cultural practices (e.g., weeding, Communicated by Scott J Meiners.

Scanning the horizon for invasive plant threats using a data-driven approach

“…This pathway includes escape from agriculture, botanical gardens, forestry, research facilities, horticulture, and ornamental purposes other than horticulture (CBD 2014). Domestication can select for traits that increase invasion risk, including fast growth rates, high fecundity, and the ability to hybridize (Petri et al 2021). However, selection for traits that reduce invasion risk and do not interfere with the commercial purposes of plants could help prevent escape from confinement (Petri et al 2021).…”

“…Domestication can select for traits that increase invasion risk, including fast growth rates, high fecundity, and the ability to hybridize (Petri et al 2021). However, selection for traits that reduce invasion risk and do not interfere with the commercial purposes of plants could help prevent escape from confinement (Petri et al 2021).…”

“…1). We also considered ecological properties of both the taxon and target location habitats, including time to reproductive maturity, reproduction rate, dispersal mechanism, propagule pressure, tolerance of a broad range of environmental conditions, resource availability, natural enemies, and amount of nurturing required (e.g., weeding, irrigation, fertilization, pest control; Petri et al 2021). Geographic thresholds for arrival and establishment likelihood scores (Table 1) were chosen based on distance, ease of movement through ground transportation, and low barriers to introduction by travel or mail (USDA APHIS 2017a, b).…”

Scanning the horizon for invasive plant threats to Florida, USA

“…Indeed, most terrestrial plant species in a global database of invasive species and in lists of non-native species in Europe arrived by escaping confinement (Hulme et al 2008). Domestication of species for food, ornamental purposes, and biofuel can select for traits that increase invasion risk, including fast growth rates, high fecundity, and the ability to hybridize (Petri et al 2021). However, selection for traits that reduce invasion risk and do not interfere with the commercial purposes of plants could help prevent escape from confinement (Petri et al 2021).…”

“…Domestication of species for food, ornamental purposes, and biofuel can select for traits that increase invasion risk, including fast growth rates, high fecundity, and the ability to hybridize (Petri et al 2021). However, selection for traits that reduce invasion risk and do not interfere with the commercial purposes of plants could help prevent escape from confinement (Petri et al 2021). For example, scientists at the University of Florida have developed sterile, low risk cultivars of the invasive species Lantana camara for landscape use within the state (Czarnecki et al 2012).…”