A Review of the Biology and Ecology of Three Invasive Perennials in New York State: Japanese Knotweed (Polygonum cuspidatum), Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) and Pale Swallow-wort (Vincetoxicum rossicum)

Abstract

Terrestrial weeds continue to evolve in association with the rapid global changes in our land-use systems, due to their regenerative strategies, their adaptability to change, and their inherent diversity. Currently, invasive weeds are estimated to cost the United StatesÕ economy up to $35 billion per year, and this total is rapidly increasing, as greater numbers of invasive species become naturalized. Several invasive exotic species have more recently established across New York State, creating difficulties for agricultural producers, roadside and natural areas managers, and homeowners and resulting in millions of dollars expended annually for their control.

Differential influence of four invasive plant species on soil physicochemical properties in a pot experiment

“…In the case of the latter species, the roots were much shorter and grew only in the surface soil. In fact, the rooting depth of I. glandulifera is shallower (10-15 cm) in comparison to some other invaders, for example R. japonica (2 m) (Beerling and Perrins 1993;Weston et al 2005). The differences in the rooting depth between I. glandulifera and other species observed in experimental pots may have contributed to some extent to differential influence of this species on soil.…”

“…These natives were expected to affect soil differently as they belong to distinct functional groups-forbs and graminoids, which differ from each other in many traits, for example, tissue density, leaf thickness, leaf life span, and litter decomposability (Scharfy et al 2011). It should be kept in mind that A. vulgaris and P. arundinacea are native expansive species in Europe, but noxious invaders in some other parts of the world, for example, North America (Weston et al 2005;Jacinthe et al 2010). In this context, data on their effects on soil gathered in this study seem particularly valuable.…”

“…It was introduced in Europe in 1825 and in North America about 1870 for ornamental purpose (Barney 2006;Barney et al 2006). Reynoutria japonica produces huge amounts of biomass; its bamboo-like stems can be up to 5 m high, rhizomes can extend more than 2 m in depth, 15-20 m in length, and even burrow through asphalt (Barney 2006;Weston et al 2005).…”

“…Both plants are tall and reach 0.5-2.5 m in height. Artemisia vulgaris and P. arundinacea are considered invaders in North America, infesting roadsides, waste areas, agronomic settings, and/or wetlands (Weston et al 2005;Jacinthe et al 2010). …”

“…or Heracleum mantegazzianum (Hejda and Pyšek 2006;Hejda et al 2009;Čuda et al 2017). As plants affect soil mainly through the root system (root exudates, nutrient uptake) and litter deposition, the distinct effect of I. glandulifera on soil in relation to other invaders may result from its annual life form, shallower rooting depth, and/or higher tissue quality (Beerling and Perrins 1993;Weston et al 2005;Dassonville et al 2008;Scharfy et al 2011). Similarly, species belonging to various functional groups may affect ecosystems differently due to the fact that they differ from each other in many traits related to, for example, biomass quantity and quality (Scharfy et al 2011).…”