Objective(s):
Objectives of this workshop are to: 1) Provide a source of information about the ways in which invasive plant species impact native plant communities and our environment; 2) present research on new management strategies and on ways in which invasive plant introductions can be reduced; and 3) discuss the role of the ornamental horticulture industry in invasive plant management including current challenges, opportunities, and future research needs.

Ornamental horticulture has been recognized globally as one of the main sources of plant invasions. Studies have shown that approximately 80% of woody plant species that have been identified as invasive were introduced, at least in part, for ornamental purposes and once used as landscape plants. Many of our most common invasive plant species were once popular among gardeners and landscapers for their interesting foliage, fruit or flower production, pest resistance, or other growth characteristics. However, some of these species escaped cultivation and began displacing native vegetation and wildlife, clogging waterways, impacting crop growth, and reducing property values. The nursery industry is facing a difficult dilemma; balancing the ongoing need to meet customer demand and introduce new plants while also avoiding the spread of potentially invasive plant species. The objective of this workshop is to present research on invasive plant management focusing on new methods of chemical management, screening protocols, and breeding sterile or non-invasive cultivars that will bring value to the nursery industry.