A Global Review of the Woody Invasive Alien Species Mimosa pigra (Giant Sensitive Plant): Its Biology and Management Implications

Abstract

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.

Invasive Mechanisms of One of the World’s Worst Alien Plant Species Mimosa pigra and Its Management

“…The efforts of the prevention of the M. pigra invasion are generally focused on the major infestation sites, although small satellite populations often grow and disturb the indigenous ecosystems more quickly than the largest population [ 118 ]. Mechanical, chemical and biological approaches were made to control the major and satellite M. pigra populations [ 23 , 40 , 119 ].…”

“…Herbicide application, such as aerial spraying and foliar, cut-stump and soil treatments, is the primary control method of M. pigra . Metsulfuron-methyl, dicamba, fluroxypyr, hexazinone, tebuthiuron and glyphosate are the principal chemicals [ 23 , 123 , 124 ]. Metsulfuron-methyl (group 2, ALS inhibitor) is the most effective chemical for the juvenile plants by using aerial spraying [ 124 ].…”

“…The invasion of M. pigra has large negative impacts on the natural ecosystems and agricultural and fishing industries [ 1 , 15 , 22 , 23 ]. M. pigra thickets prevent the regeneration process of other plant species including indigenous plant species within the understory [ 24 ].…”

Spatio-temporal patterns of an invasive species Mimosa bimucronata (DC.) Kuntze under different climate scenarios in China

“…Hence, risk assessment, early warning and rapid interception are important means to prevent and control biological invasion (Allendorf and Lundquist, 2003). Distinguishing the invasibility levels of different regions and identifying priority control areas offer 10.3389/ffgc.2023.1144829 critical management tools (Welgama et al, 2022). Considering the status of biosafety management in different regions of China, the control of M. bimucronata should be based on its actual distribution and potential distribution trend under different climate scenarios.…”

“…However, thousands of tree and shrub species have been relocated worldwide. Many woody species have spread from planting locations, and some are now among the most common and destructive invasive organisms (Welgama et al, 2022). Mimosa bimucronata (DC.)…”