Protocols for testing the invasiveness of plants in Florida

摘要

Globalization has facilitated the movement of non-native species worldwide through increasing connectedness between isolated ecosystems (Meyerson and Mooney, 2007). Only a small proportion of non-native species introduced to a new range become established, and those species that do become invasive have significant economic and ecological impacts, often resulting in reduced biodiversity and changes in biogeochemical cycling, hydrology, and disturbance regimes (Gordon, 1998; Mack and D'Antonio, 1998; Vitousek et al., 1996). Invasive species can be defined as an organism (plant, animal, fungus, or bacterium) that is not native and has negative effects on our economy, our environment or our health.