Situation and control strategies of alien invasive plants in Northeast China grasslands

Alien invasive plants in Northeast China grasslands have posed serious threats to economies and ecosystems. Thirty-eight alien invasive plants were identified in Northeast China grasslands based on field surveys, herbarium information, and literature reviews. They belonged to 35 genera of 12 families. Alien invasive plants were mainly those belonging to Compositae, Gramineae, Solanaceae, Amaranthaceae, and Leguminosae. These five families included the main alien invasive species in Northeast China grasslands, accounting for 81.58% of total invasive plants. Farmland, grasslands, roadsides, and watersides were the main habitats of alien invasive plants in Northeast China grasslands. Based on analysis of invasion pathways, the number of alien invasive plants by intentional introduction was nearly equal to the number by unintentional introduction. In light of the situation regarding alien invasive plants in this area, control strategies were postulated, including controlling alien invasive plants of key families, controlling alien invasive plants in main habitats, cutting off invasion pathways, and adopting scientific control measures. Because the situation of alien invasive plants is very similar in Northeast China and China as a whole, the control strategies can be used throughout China.