Site‐specific management is crucial to managing Mikania micrantha

Abstract

Increasingly, weeds have been taking on global distributions. With the proliferation of invasive weeds has come the challenge of managing these species over broad geographical regions, with diverse habitats and political jurisdictions. Here, we review the management of Mikania micrantha Kunth (Asteraceae; mile-aminute) throughout its invaded range, extending through most of the Pacific islands and southern and south-east Asia. Context matters when determining the best course of action for managing M. micrantha, as it has invaded a large variety of agricultural and natural systems. In Queensland, Australia and Florida, USA, M. micrantha has been targeted in relatively successful eradication campaigns, highlighting the importance of early detection and rapid response methods, while elsewhere in its invaded range, populations are either still increasing or showing limited signs of decline. An inter-regional approach to research and management should incorporate successful management strategies employed throughout the invaded range including, but not limited to, chemical and cultural control practices, manual and mechanical control, classical biological control using the rust fungus Puccinia spegazzinii, plant-plant competition and integrated approaches utilising two or more control methods concurrently. Additional knowledge of M. micrantha genetics is required to determine if management approaches could be fine-tuned for particular populations. Countries bordering the Mekong River formed a network in 2011 to co-ordinate the management of invasive species such as M. micrantha. Expanding such a collaborative approach to other regions could further reduce populations of M. micrantha and limit its spread.

Using multi-scale behavioral investigations to inform wild pig (Sus scrofa) population management

“…presence of specific biotic and abiotic factors [2,3]. Site-specific management requires knowledge of the local environment and how the invasive species interacts within this environment.…”

Spatio-Temporal Patterns of Climatic Niche Dynamics of an Invasive Plant Mikania micrantha Kunth and Its Potential Distribution Under Projected Climate Change

“…In this perspective, the findings of our study provide valid support for developing management strategies for M. micrantha invasion, e.g., by designing early detection and rapid response initiatives, implementing quarantine measures and devising scientifically informed site-specific management policies. Taking clues from the successful management strategies implemented so far, an inter-regional approach to research and management of M. micrantha invasion should be prioritized (Clements et al, 2019).…”

High genetic and epigenetic variation of transposable elements: Potential drivers to rapid adaptive evolution for the noxious invasive weed Mikania micrantha

“…It performs efficient sexual reproduction by producing enormous numbers of light‐weighted seeds that are dispersed by wind, water, and animals. Moreover, it can also reproduce vegetatively via ramets generated from stem fragments (Clements et al., 2019 ). Mikania micrantha has caused huge damage to agriculture, forestry, and ecological system across its invaded range (Zhang et al., 2010 ).…”