• Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.47 no.3
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• pp.75-84
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• 2023

Background: Knowledge of the spatial trends of plant invasions in different habitats is essential for a better understanding of the process of these invasions. We examined the variation in invasive alien plant species (IAS) richness and composition at two spatial scales defined by elevation and habitat types (roadside, forest, and cultivated lands) in the Makawanpur district of Nepal. Following an elevation gradient ranging from 500 to 2,400 m asl along a mountain road, plant species cover was recorded within sample plots of size 10 m × 5 m. Systematic random sampling was adopted in every 100 m elevation intervals on three habitat types. Results: Altogether 18 invasive alien plants belonging to eight families were recorded within 60 plots, of which 14 species (representing 80%) were from tropical North and South America. The most common plants by their frequency were Ageratina adenophora, Chromolaena odorata, Bidens pilosa, Lantana camara, and Parthenium hysterophorus. We found a significant relationship between species composition and elevation in the study area. Low-elevation regions had a higher number of alien species as compared to high-elevation regions within different habitat types. Conclusions: The species richness and density of IAS were higher in the road site followed by the cultivated land and forest sites. This pattern occurred throughout the elevation range and habitats. IAS were found mostly in the open land with high sunlight availability. Information from such scientific assessment of invasive alien plants will assist in developing appropriate management plans in the Makawanpur district.

• Korean Journal of Plant Resources
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• v.34 no.6
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• pp.616-632
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• 2021

We performed taxonomic reviews and habitat circumstances survey for 41 un-introduced environmentally harmful plants (as designated by the Ministry of Environment, Korea in 2016). And we investigated plant specimens from several herbaria and performed a field survey in the southeastern region of the United States. Based on the result, we presented the most comprehensive results of weed risk evaluation and taxonomic description up to now as well as classification keys for 11 species to apply the regulation management of putative invasive alien species - Senecio madagascariensis Poir., Sphagneticola trilobata (L.) Pruski, Ageratina riparia (Regel) R.M. King & H. Rob. (Asteraceae), Andropogon gayanus Kunth (Poaceae), Echinocystis lobata (Michx.) Torr. & A. Gray (Cucurbitaceae), Salvinia minima Baker (Salviniaceae), Vincetoxicum rossicum (Kleopow) Barbar. (Asclepiadaceae), Asparagus asparagoides (L.) Druce (Asparagaceae), Alternanthera pungens Kunth (Amaranthaceae), Salpichroa origanifolia (Lam.) Thell., and Lycium ferocissimum Miers (Solanaceae).

• Research in Plant Disease
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.1-9
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• 2005

Occurrence and distribution of crop diseases caused by invasive alien pathogens were surveyed in Korea from 2001 to 2003. Of 22 species of invasive alien pathogens surveyed, 18 species were found on their host plants but 4 species were not. Scientific names of the alien plant pathogens introduced into Korea in the past were reviewed. Revised scientific names of 10 species including anthracnose pathogens were amended in the list. Host ranges of invasive alien pathogens were investigated. Eight species of the invasive alien pathogens were found on new host plants as well as their host plants recorded in the past.

• Korean Journal of Plant Resources
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• v.36 no.3
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• pp.219-224
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• 2023

Melilotus dentatus (Waldst. & Kit.) Desf. is an invasive plant native to Europe, Russia, Uzbekistan, Mongolia and China. It was introduced to North America to create grazing areas for livestock; its growth has since become uncontrollable. Melilotus dentatus is now found in Namyang-eup, Hwaseong-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea as an alien plant. This species is morphologically similar to Melilotus suaveolens Ledeb. and Melilotus officinalis (L.) Lam. M. dentatus differs from other species based on its oblong leaflets, distinct teeth, two ovules, surface of the legume that is minutely reticulate-nerved or smooth, and seeds that are dark green to greenish brown. Here, we have provided a detailed description and photographs of the alien species M. dentatus as well as an updated key to five Melilotus taxa studied, which will help prepare a continuous monitoring and management plan.

• Korean Journal of Plant Taxonomy
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• v.49 no.3
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• pp.209-214
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• 2019

Naturalization centers are hotspots where accidently introduced seeds first germinate and grow. Railways play important roles as corridors for movement, having positive effects on species dispersal and persistence, though they can also be invasion routes for undesirable plants. Geranium purpureum Vill., a new alien species in Korea, was found at the Bumil Railway Station, Busan, Gyeongsangnam-do, Korea. Most native Geranium species in Korea belong to the subgenus Geranium and section Geranium, but G. purpureum belongs to the subgenus Robertium and section Ruberta, with the "carpel-projection" method of seed dispersal. In other countries, G. purpureum is often compared with G. robertianum L., which is an ornamental plant in Korea. We assume that G. purpureum is a casual alien plant and that it is not likely to spread to other provinces, as it scarcely survives when the mean temperature in January is below $4^{\circ}C$. Moreover, it has not been found further north than Busan. We provide a key of allied taxa, information about the habitat, a description of the morphological characters, illustrations, and photographs.

• Korean Journal of Plant Resources
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• v.33 no.3
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• pp.200-219
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• 2020

We performed taxonomic reviews and habitat circumstances survey for 41 un-introduced environmentally harmful plants (as designated by the Ministry of Environment, Korea in 2016). For this purpose, we investigated plant specimens from several herbaria and performed a field survey in the southeastern region of the United States. Base on the result, we presented the most comprehensive results of weed risk evaluation and taxonomic description up to now as well as classification keys for 11 species to apply the regulation management of putative invasive alien species - Centaurea maculosa Lam., Centaurea diffusa Lam., Mikania micrantha Kunth. (Asteraceae), Cenchrus echinatus L., Neyraudia reynaudiana (Kunth) Keng ex Hitchcock, Brachiaria mutica (Forsskål) Stapf, Vulpia bromoides (L.) Gray, Lolium persicum Boissier & Hohennacker, Setaria palmifolia (J. Konig) Stapf (Poaceae), Prosopis glandulosa Torr. (Fabaceae), Fallopia baldschuanica (Regel) Hobub. (Polygonaceae).

• Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.277-290
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• 2008

In the past two decades Mikania micrantha Kunth, a climbing plant species originating from tropical America, has spread across Taiwan. It can now be found frequently in the lowlands and lower mountain areas up to 1,000 m a.s.l. in the centre and south of the island. Mikania micrantha is considered a problematic invasive alien plant species which is said to cause economical as well as environmental damage. This study investigated the ecological site characteristics of M. micrantha in Taiwan. 112 vegetation surveys were carried out in habitats where the alien plant was present. A comparison between sites with a high and a low abundance was carried out in order to assess which factors especially influence the extensive spread of the plant. Furthermore, the influence of disturbances was examined. Results showed that Mikania micrantha grows very dense in habitats which are characterized by good light conditions combined with vertical structures, such as trees. Results revealed that this invader occurs most frequently in agricultural fallows and wastelands, but it could hardly be found in the intensively managed plantations in the investigation area. Results provide great evidence that the plant is strongly influenced by disturbances, but only if impacts occur rarely.

• Korean Journal of Plant Resources
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• v.35 no.3
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• pp.405-410
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• 2022

We have discovered Vicia grandiflora Scop., a newly invasive alien species in Baekun-ri, Okcheon-gun, Chungcheongbuk-do, Korea. This species is native to regions from Central and Southeast Europe to Central Asia and Iran and is reported as an invasive species in North America and Japan. This species is similar to the Vicia sativa complex (V. sativa subsp. sativa, V. sativa subsp. nigra) but can be readily distinguished by the undivided ovate to semi-hastate stipules of the upper leaves, yellowish petals, large size of its flower, and elongated hilum. In the field, V. grandiflora grows in disturbed sites near cultivated land, suggesting that their seeds are typically transported by vehicles along with fertilizer or livestock feed. Here, we present the morphological description, photographs, and sites of V. grandiflora growth, which will be useful in guiding the management of this invasive alien plant.

• Korean Journal of Plant Taxonomy
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• v.50 no.2
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• pp.89-119
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• 2020

Species invasions have rapidly increased due to the substantial growth of global trade in the recent past. As the awareness of the negative effects on natural ecosystems derived from alien species has grown, many countries and lawmakers have enacted rules and policies on the conservation of indigenous plants. Unfortunately, in Korea, research on species invasion is seriously lacking despite the growing number of alien species. In the current study, we report alien plants that have intentionally and/or unintentionally been introduced in Korea and also presented a checklist of invasive plants found both in the literature and in field surveys. We reviewed all documented records of alien plants, i.e., scientific papers, illustrated books, and annual reports. We also categorized alien plants by origin, time of introduction, naturalization, and the rate of their spread. The results revealed that there are 619 alien plant taxa (96 families, 353 genera, 595 species, 6 subspecies, 11 varieties, 1 forma, and 6 hybrids) occurring in Korea. Among these, 30 taxa are archaeophytes (Arc.), 214 are potentially invasive plants (PIPs), and 375 are invasive alien plants (IAPs). In addition, IAP taxa consist of grades 5 (widespread, WS) to 1 (potential spread, PS) of alien plants according to the rate of spread in Korea. Our results suggested that the number of alien plants is likely to keep growing; thus, the distribution should be regularly monitored and the list of alien plants must be updated.

• Korean Journal of Plant Resources
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• v.32 no.6
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• pp.752-757
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• 2019

The establishment of invasive alien species management is widely recognized as a pivotal issue in the preservation of biodiversity. Ranunculus sardous Crantz, a species native to Europe, has been widely introduced in many other areas of the world, including the coasts of the United States, Australia, China, India, and Japan. In Korea, the first population of this plant was found growing adjacent to a wetland in Hanon, Seogwipo-si, Jeju Province, on 22 May 2018. Field observations confirmed the presences of at least two populations of this species in Jeju Province, Korea. This species is similar to Ranunculus sceleratus L., but can be readily distinguished by its presence of the trichomes in the whole plant, longer petioles of radical leaves, ovate-shaped leaf segments, globose to subglobose-shaped fruits and flat achenes with narrowly winged and papillae. The Invasive Alien Plant Risk Assessment (IAPRA), a system for recognizing and categorizing alien plants in Korea forests, was used to assess the invasiveness status of the species. Based on this system, R. sardous received a low score of 6, suggesting its potential invasion to natural forests. Although the current distribution of R. sardous is restricted to Jeju Province and thus far has had limited impact on local environments, local and regulatory authorities should pay close attention to this plant and take measures to prevent its further expansion.