Germination biology, distribution and control of the invasive species Eragrostis curvula [Schard. Nees] (African Lovegrass): A global synthesis of current and future management challenges

Abstract

Eragrostis curvula [Schrad. Nees] (African Lovegrass) is an invasive C 4 perennial grass that threatens the multifunctionality of agricultural landscapes in Australia, including agricultural productivity and biodiversity (Firn, 2009;Godfree et al., 2017). It is often described as an undesirable and moderately palatable species that is commonly found on lighter sandy soils along coastal areas within Australia; however, it can also be found further inland if conditions are suitable (Godfree et al., 2017;Roberts et al., 2021). When established, E. curvula can form dense swards that increase its competitiveness towards other species (Firn, 2009;Firn et al., 2010b;Johnston, 1989;Muyt, 2001). Further, research has shown that E. curvula has a strong allelopathic potential which may explain its dominance in grasslands (Ghebrehiwot et al., 2013). These swards can also lead to agricultural loss, a decline in co-occurring native species diversity and an increase in fire frequency and intensity, all of which can result in economic and environmental degradation of

Responses to nutrient addition, shading and clipping in a range expanding invasive plant, Mikania micrantha

“…We found that spread distance was significantly negatively related to frequency of occurrence but not population cover, indicating that the density of range edge populations may not be low. At the local scale, invasive plants may reach high densities shortly after establishment, potentially because of high competitive ability and rapid growth ability (Hamidavi et al, 2021; Roberts et al, 2021). Previous studies on range expanding invasive plants discussed how decreasing population density might explain the patterns they observed, but it is not known whether the densities in edge populations were really low (Bartle et al, 2013; Tabassum & Leishman, 2018).…”

Utilising random forests in the modelling of Eragrostis curvula presence and absence in an Australian grassland system

“…Eragrostis curvula has been suggested to be present in the study area for at least 70 years; as such, it has spread over the area under a changing climate as a result of anthropogenic climate change 47 . As such, this research has chosen to use mean annual temperature data and monthly mean precipitation from 1976 to 2005 as it would best reflect the climatic conditions present in the region during a large time period of its establishment and spread 5 , 47 . For each site, the elevation (m) above sea level (asl) was determined using a one Arc-second resolution digital elevation model based on data collected in February 2000 Gallant et al 38 .…”

“…The Eragrostis genus has 300 species worldwide, with 66 present in Australia, 52 native, and 14 considered non-native species 4 . E. curvula was intentionally introduced into Australia as early as 1910 by the Australian Government as part of a larger scheme to introduce soil-stabilising plant species that may also offer a source of feed to grazing livestock 5 , 6 . In Australia, E. curvula has become an undesirable plant species in agricultural and ecological contexts, impacting species diversity, richness, and agricultural productivity 7 , 8 .…”

“…In Australia, E. curvula has become an undesirable plant species in agricultural and ecological contexts, impacting species diversity, richness, and agricultural productivity 7 , 8 . However, evidence suggests that E. curvula can sustain agricultural enterprises but requires intensive management to be a moderate pasture grass, regarding sustaining livestock health and weight for productive agricultural output while still impacting native species diversity 5 , 6 , 9 , 10 . Since its introduction, E. curvula has spread and is now present in every state in Australia, including high densities in agricultural regions 7 , 8 , 11 .…”