Successful eradication of IAPS requires interventions at their most vulnerable stages

Abstract

Invasive alien plant species (IAPS) are invasive to different degrees, and eradication depends in part on propagule pressure and difficulty to remove their biomass including their rooting apparatus. Choosing the correct strategy for eradication varies by family and species and should centre on the IAP’s most vulnerable life cycle stages which may relate to time of the year when to weaken the plant to reduce growth and vegetative spread, cutting out inflorescences and/or harvesting seeds before maturation and dispersal, as well as eradication of seedlings before establishment. To eradicate IAPS, it is imperative to identify their strengths and weaknesses and much akin to warfare, attack the IAPS at its most vulnerable stage. The aim of the project was to investigate the use of different IAPS removal strategies targeting the most vulnerable stages. Experience gathered helped to establish a vulnerability index.