Invasion mechanism and ecological management of exotic plant, Flaveria bidentis.
Flaveria bidentis,an annual exotic weed invaded China in recent years,has caused huge damage to the ecological environment with its strong ability to reproduce and invasive nature.At the same time,its invasion also threatens the safety of agricultural ecology.Based on this knowledge,recent research in its invasion mechanism and ecological management measures were summarized in this paper.Firstly,allelopathic properties and the rapid adaptive traits of F.bidentis may contribute to its strong invasion and wide distribution.Secondly,F.bidentis can cause soil based ecosystem processes change following its invasion,and such changes could establish positive feedbacks,which further enhance its successful spread in turn.As a result,the invasion of F.bidentis has profoundly influence nutrient cycling,enzyme activities and microbial community composition and function as well.Finally,based on the fundamental ecological principles underlying succession,it was proposed that the competitive ability of native vegetation should be established through restoration activities in order to reduce the proliferation of F.bidentis,and the selection of competitive candidate plant species well adapted to restoration site conditions are important keys to success.On this basis,the further researches needed for F.bidentis was also proposed for its wise management and possible utilization.