The Invasive <i>Ailanthus altissima</i>: A Biology, Ecology, and Control Review
Tree of Heaven (<i>Ailanthus altissima</i> (Mill.) Swingle) is a tree native to China which has invaded disturbed areas in many regions worldwide. Its presence endangers natural ecosystems by displacing native species, modifying habitats, changing community structures, and affecting ecos...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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MDPI AG
2024-03-01
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| Series: | Plants |
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| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2223-7747/13/7/931 |
| _version_ | 1797212108998311936 |
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| author | Jordi Soler Jordi Izquierdo |
| author_facet | Jordi Soler Jordi Izquierdo |
| author_sort | Jordi Soler |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Tree of Heaven (<i>Ailanthus altissima</i> (Mill.) Swingle) is a tree native to China which has invaded disturbed areas in many regions worldwide. Its presence endangers natural ecosystems by displacing native species, modifying habitats, changing community structures, and affecting ecosystem processes. Its invasive nature is enhanced by its high ability to reproduce both vegetatively through root regrowth and sexually through seeds. Seeds, which are wind dispersed, are the main mechanism by which this species reaches new habitats. When they germinate and develop the root system, roots emit new shoots that contribute to a rapid increase in the tree density and the subsequent expansion of the population nearby. The contradictory results about the ecological requirements for seeds to germinate and their degree of dormancy and longevity indicate the complexity and difficulty of understanding the mechanisms that govern the biology and adaptability of this plant. The management of this weed aims at its eradication, with programs based on herbicide applications carried out by injecting the active ingredient directly to the trunk. But, not many active ingredients have shown total control, so new ones should be tested in order to increase the range of available herbicides. During the last few decades, some biological agents have been identified, but their efficacy in controlling the tree and their safety for the local flora have not yet been determined. A correct management strategy should take into account all these aspects in order to contain the expansion of this species and, ultimately, allow its eradication. |
| first_indexed | 2024-04-24T10:37:09Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-c00355489a54495e8aa0bd88818ab495 |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 2223-7747 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-04-24T10:37:09Z |
| publishDate | 2024-03-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Plants |
| spelling | doaj.art-c00355489a54495e8aa0bd88818ab4952024-04-12T13:24:39ZengMDPI AGPlants2223-77472024-03-0113793110.3390/plants13070931The Invasive <i>Ailanthus altissima</i>: A Biology, Ecology, and Control ReviewJordi Soler0Jordi Izquierdo1Department of Agri-Food Engineering and Biotechnology, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, 08860 Castelldefels, SpainDepartment of Agri-Food Engineering and Biotechnology, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, 08860 Castelldefels, SpainTree of Heaven (<i>Ailanthus altissima</i> (Mill.) Swingle) is a tree native to China which has invaded disturbed areas in many regions worldwide. Its presence endangers natural ecosystems by displacing native species, modifying habitats, changing community structures, and affecting ecosystem processes. Its invasive nature is enhanced by its high ability to reproduce both vegetatively through root regrowth and sexually through seeds. Seeds, which are wind dispersed, are the main mechanism by which this species reaches new habitats. When they germinate and develop the root system, roots emit new shoots that contribute to a rapid increase in the tree density and the subsequent expansion of the population nearby. The contradictory results about the ecological requirements for seeds to germinate and their degree of dormancy and longevity indicate the complexity and difficulty of understanding the mechanisms that govern the biology and adaptability of this plant. The management of this weed aims at its eradication, with programs based on herbicide applications carried out by injecting the active ingredient directly to the trunk. But, not many active ingredients have shown total control, so new ones should be tested in order to increase the range of available herbicides. During the last few decades, some biological agents have been identified, but their efficacy in controlling the tree and their safety for the local flora have not yet been determined. A correct management strategy should take into account all these aspects in order to contain the expansion of this species and, ultimately, allow its eradication.https://www.mdpi.com/2223-7747/13/7/931Tree of Heavenbiological invasiongermination requirementsbiological controlchemical controlmanagement |
| spellingShingle | Jordi Soler Jordi Izquierdo The Invasive <i>Ailanthus altissima</i>: A Biology, Ecology, and Control Review Plants Tree of Heaven biological invasion germination requirements biological control chemical control management |
| title | The Invasive <i>Ailanthus altissima</i>: A Biology, Ecology, and Control Review |
| title_full | The Invasive <i>Ailanthus altissima</i>: A Biology, Ecology, and Control Review |
| title_fullStr | The Invasive <i>Ailanthus altissima</i>: A Biology, Ecology, and Control Review |
| title_full_unstemmed | The Invasive <i>Ailanthus altissima</i>: A Biology, Ecology, and Control Review |
| title_short | The Invasive <i>Ailanthus altissima</i>: A Biology, Ecology, and Control Review |
| title_sort | invasive i ailanthus altissima i a biology ecology and control review |
| topic | Tree of Heaven biological invasion germination requirements biological control chemical control management |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2223-7747/13/7/931 |
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