The 2010 ASHS Annual Conference

Objective(s):
(1)To discuss what plant characteristics and environmental factors are typical of plant invaders. (2) To discuss what predictive assessments or models have been developed, how they vary, and how effective they are at correctly identifying and rejecting potential invaders. (3) To use a specific plant example, run it through a typical status or predictive protocol (decision tree), and generate a risk assessment.

The substantial economic and ecological costs of invasive species management and removal warrant aggressive assessment and prevention programs.  Numerous prediction protocols have been developed and tested to assess the potential of plants to become invasive with up to 96% accuracy.  The Australian Risk Assessment is currently used to regulate plant introductions in Australia and New Zealand.  This system may serve as an effective screening template on a broader, global scale to reduce the future importation of invasive plant species.   This workshop will provide a platform for scientists to learn about the impact of invasive species, exchange information on the strengths and weaknesses of predictive tools in specific regions (including California and Florida) and bridge horticulture with ecology.