Evaluating the Invasion Risk of Non-native Plants in Florida's Natural Areas

The detrimental effects of biological invasions, including reduced biodiversity and altered ecosystem functions are costly both ecologically and economically. Preventing high-risk species from being released into natural areas and managing invasive species early in the invasion process can reduce ecological and economic impacts. The effects of invasions are especially evident in the natural areas of Florida, where detection, monitoring, and management of invasions cost the state millions of dollars per year. To identify species most likely to invade and cause damage in Florida’s natural areas, The IFAS Assessment of Non-Native Plants in Florida’s Natural Areas was developed by the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS). The purpose of the IFAS Assessment is to provide UF faculty and staff with consistent recommendations for the use and management of non-native plant species in Florida. The IFAS Assessment consists of three components: the Status Assessment to evaluate resident species already present in the state of Florida, the Predictive Tool to evaluate species new to the state or proposed for a new purpose (e.g., biofuels), and the Infraspecific Taxon Protocol (ITP) to evaluate cultivars, varieties, and subspecies independently from resident species. To date, approximately 800 species have been evaluated including Lantana, Nandina, and Ruellia cultivars that were developed as alternatives to problematic resident species. The success of the IFAS Assessment is largely dependent on information that is queried from the land management and scientific communities who are willing to donate their time to assist in the evaluation process. In return, the synthesis of our efforts benefits the natural areas of Florida and provides a framework for government and industry to prevent and manage non-native species nationwide.