Stanford researchers topple long held view about invasive plant species

In the April 26 issue of Nature, Stanford University researchers show that invasive species can thrive even in resource poor conditions. Their study compared the resource use efficiency rates of 19 invasive species of plants with 19 closely related indigenous plants.

Reporting on the team’s findings, Dr Jennifer Funk, lead author of the study says, “Invasive plants were more efficient on short-time scales, but overall there was no difference in the long term. We were surprised that the invasive plants were not at a disadvantage under conditions where resources were scarce."

This study topples a long held myth that invasive species are not cause for serious concern in resource poor environments. The reasoning that went with the belief is that invasive plants cannot compete on an equal footing with indigenous plants of that area.

References: http://news-service.stanford.edu/news/2007/may2/plants-050207.html
http://www.nature.com/news/2007/070430/full/070430-10.html

This news story has been adapted from a Stanford University press release

image source: Plant database of the Eco-Informatics Centre
http://www.ecoinfoindia.org/pics/eco/images/Lantana_camara2.jpg