Affiliation: | (1) Department of Forestry, Southern Illinois University, 1205 Lincoln Drive, MC 4411, Carbondale, IL 62901, USA;(2) Center for Agroforestry, School of Natural Resources, University of Missouri, 203 ABNR Bldg, Columbia, MO 65201, USA |
Abstract: | Cogongrass (Imperata cylindrica) is considered one of the worst invasive species in the world. The species is readily adaptable to a wide range of environmental conditions and upon invasion reduces forest productivity, alters nutrient cycling, and threatens native species biodiversity. This paper explores seven major ecological hypotheses (Propagule Pressure Hypothesis, Natural Enemies or Enemy Release Hypothesis, Empty Niche Hypothesis, Invasional Meltdown Hypothesis, Evolution of Increased Competitive Ability Hypothesis/Superior Competitor Hypothesis, Novel Weapons Hypothesis, and Diversity—Invasibility (Elton’s) Hypothesis) that explain the invasiveness of cogongrass in the southeastern United States. Information gathered from this review can be used to reduce the spread of cogongrass and is applicable for control of other invasive species as well. |