The intrusion of weeds into fertile areas has resulted in significant global economic and environmental impacts on agricultural production systems and native ecosystems, hence without ongoing and repeated management actions, the maintenance or restoration of these systems will become increasingly challenging. The establishment of herbicide resistance in many species and unwanted pollution caused by synthetic herbicides has ushered in the need for alternative, eco-friendly sustainable management strategies, such as the use of bioherbicides. Of the array of bioherbicides currently available, the most successful products appear to be sourced from fungi (mycoherbicides), with at least 16 products being developed for commercial use globally. Over the last few decades, bioherbicides sourced from bacteria and plant extracts (such as allelochemicals and essential oils), together with viruses, have also shown marked success in controlling various weeds. Despite this encouraging trend, ongoing research is still required for these compounds to be economically viable and successful in the long term. It is apparent that more focused research is required for (i) the improvement of the commercialisation processes, including the cost-effectiveness and scale of production of these materials; (ii) the discovery of new production sources, such as bacteria, fungi, plants or viruses and (iii) the understanding of the environmental influence on the efficacy of these compounds, such as atmospheric CO2, humidity, soil water stress, temperature and UV radiation.

Amaranthus palmeri S. Watson (Palmer amaranth) is an invasive agricultural weed that has quickly risen from a state of relative obscurity to now being globally regarded as one of the most economically destructive and difficult to manage weed species. It is now found in more than 45 countries where it poses a serious threat to agricultural production systems. Amaranthus palmeri is known to aggressively compete against crop plants for resources such as light, space, nutrients and soil moisture, all of which can result in significant crop yield reduction or even lead to crop failure. It has also been reported that A. palmeri is highly prone to evolve herbicide resistance; this makes management exceedingly challenging. Whilst there have been several control approaches introduced to manage the spread and impact of A. palmeri, many of them require more specific and focused research for their successful local and widespread application. In this regard, this global review explores the species’ biology and global distribution patterns, together with previous and current management strategies. It also explores and identifies promising areas of research that still require further investigation to more confidently assist in the control and containment of this globally concerning weed.

African lovegrass [Eragrostis curvula (Schrad.) Nees] is a highly invasive C4 perennial grass that threatens global biodiversity. Appropriate management of the species has been hampered by a lack of knowledge of the species’ seed ecology, resulting in significant economic and environmental impacts within various environments. Consequently, this study explored the effects of a selection of environmental factors (photoperiod, alternating temperature, pH and salinity) by analysing several measures of germination on four geographically distinct populations of E. curvula to assist in its extirpation from infested sites. Seeds were collected in Australia from Maffra and Shepparton, Victoria; Tenterfield, New South Wales and Midvale, Western Australia. Key results showed that seeds from Maffra (54% vs. 79%), Tenterfield (38% vs. 61%) and Shepparton (34% vs. 71%) had significantly reduced germination in complete darkness compared to an alternating 12 hours light and 12 hours dark photoperiod, whereas Midvale had consistent germination (91% vs. 99%). Temperatures between 17/7 OC reduced germination for Maffra (42% vs. 73%), Tenterfield (34% vs. 55%) and Shepparton (33% vs. 59%) compared to the mean of all other temperature combinations, whereas, Midvale had consistent germination. Furthermore, germination for all populations was consistent between pH 4 and 9. For salinity, germination was significantly reduced at ≥100 mM for Maffra (29% vs. 67%), ≥150 mM for Tenterfield (29% vs. 94%) and Shepparton (39.5% vs. 81.5%), and 250 mM for Midvale (39% vs. 82%) compared to the mean of all other concentrations. Although each trial was conducted independently, they can be used to generate species targeted management. Such strategies include maintaining high levels of quarantine and hygiene programs to avoid future spread, where practical apply light-limiting strategies (mulching, tilling or scraping) for the Maffra, Tenterfield and Shepparton populations; and maintaining management efforts year round as the species can germinate under a wide range of conditions.

Cabomba caroliniana [A. Gray] (Cabombaceae), also known as Carolina fanwort, is a native of South America which has now become a serious invasive threat to aquatic systems across the world. Its capacity to inundate a water column with active fragments and seeds makes the containment and management of C. caroliniana a challenging task and an ecological and economic necessity. Previous and current management efforts have been largely focussed on biological control, drawdown methods, herbicide application, manual removal, shading and the use of a concentrated urea solution. Although these methods have shown some success in reducing large infestations, they are generally considered to be unreliable when used alone since they are unable to contain or reduce the species in the long term with a single‐use treatment protocol. It is feared that, without effective, improved and integrated management strategies, C. caroliniana will continue to invade aquatic ecosystems beyond its already wide current distribution, thus causing increased global economic and environmental damage. This review will therefore explore the biology and distribution of C. caroliniana and examine the current and previous attempts for its global management. It will also evaluate the most successful current treatments and clarify where research efforts are urgently needed for the improved long‐term extirpation of this aquatic invader.

Populations of invasive alien plants create disruptive plant communities that are extremely adaptable, imposing severe ecological impacts on agriculture, biodiversity and human activities. To minimise these impacts, prevention and effective weed management strategies are urgently required, including the identification of satellite populations before they invade new areas. This is a critical element that allows weed management practices to become both successful and cost-effective. Mimosa pigra L. (Giant sensitive plant) is an invasive weed that has spread across various environments around the world and is considered one of the world’s top 100 most invasive plant species. Being adaptable to a wide range of soil types, in addition to its woody protective prickles and low palatability, M. pigra has quickly spread and established itself in a range of habitats. Current control methods of this species include biological, chemical and physical methods, together with attempts of integrated application. Reports suggest that integrated management appears to be the most effective means of controlling M. pigra since the use of any single method has not yet proved suitable. In this regard, this review synthesises and explores the available global literature and current research gaps relating to the biology, distribution, impacts and management of M. pigra. The contribution of this work will help guide land managers to design appropriate and sustainable management programs to control M. pigra.