Research & Reviews: Journal of Botanical Sciences
MenuISSN: 2320-0189
ISSN: 2320-0189
+1-845-458-6882 Lina Fernández*
Department of Ecology and Environmental Biology, Universidad del Valle Verde Cali, Colombia
Received: 02-Dec-2025, Manuscript No. jbs-25-177460; Editor assigned: 04-Dec- 2025, PreQC No. jbs-25-177460 (PQ); Reviewed: 13-Dec-2025, QC No. jbs-25- 177460; Revised: 20-Dec-2025, Manuscript No. JBS-24-125166(R); Published: 29-Dec-2025, DOI: 10.4172/2320-0189. 14.5.004.
Citation: Lina Fernández, Invasive Plant Species: Threats to Ecosystems and Biodiversity. RRJ Botanical Sci. 2025.14.004.
Copyright: © 2025 Lina Fernández, this is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.
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Invasive plant species are non-native plants that establish, spread rapidly, and cause harm to the environments they invade. Introduced intentionally or accidentally through human activities such as trade, agriculture, and travel, these species often lack natural predators or controls in their new habitats. As a result, they can outcompete native vegetation, disrupt ecosystems, and create serious ecological and economic problems. Understanding invasive plant species is essential for protecting biodiversity and maintaining ecosystem balance [1].
One of the main characteristics of invasive plant species is their ability to grow and reproduce aggressively. Many invasive plants produce large numbers of seeds, grow rapidly, and tolerate a wide range of environmental conditions [2]. This allows them to dominate landscapes and suppress native plant populations by competing for light, water, nutrients, and space. Examples of invasive plants include water hyacinth, kudzu, and Lantana camara, which have transformed ecosystems in many parts of the world.
The ecological impacts of invasive plant species are profound. By displacing native plants, invasives reduce biodiversity and alter habitat structure, affecting insects, birds, and other wildlife that depend on native vegetation for food and shelter [3]. Invasive plants can also modify soil chemistry, nutrient cycling, and hydrological processes. For instance, some species increase soil nitrogen levels, favoring further invasion and making conditions unsuitable for native species.
Invasive plants also pose significant economic and social challenges. They can reduce agricultural productivity by competing with crops and increasing management costs. In rangelands and forests, invasive species lower forage quality, hinder tree regeneration, and increase the risk of wildfires [4]. Control and eradication efforts require substantial financial resources and long-term commitment, placing a burden on governments and land managers.
Management of invasive plant species involves prevention, early detection, and control. Preventive measures include regulating the introduction of non-native species and raising public awareness. Control methods may involve mechanical removal, chemical herbicides, and biological control using natural enemies. Integrated management approaches that combine multiple strategies are often the most effective and environmentally sustainable [5].
Invasive plant species represent a serious threat to ecosystems, biodiversity, and human livelihoods. Their ability to spread rapidly and alter natural systems highlights the importance of proactive management and scientific research. By understanding the biology and impacts of invasive plants, and by implementing effective prevention and control strategies, societies can reduce their harmful effects and protect native ecosystems for future generations.