Solanum elaeagnifolium in Portugal
Solanum elaeagnifolium (Solanaceae: EPPO A2 List) is a herbaceous perennial or a small shrub, native to the Americas and an alien invasive plant in parts of Asia, Africa and the EPPO region. Field surveys conducted in December 2021 in two regions in Portugal revealed the occurrence of this invasive plant species. The first population of S. elaeagnifolium was found at Costa da Caparica, municipality of Almada (Lisbon region), in an abandoned area located in an urban environment and next to the ocean and consisted of approximately 200 stems. The second population was found in an abandoned field located in an agricultural area at Cano, municipality of Sousel (Northern Alentejo region). This infestation was large (>0.5 ha) and may serve as a reservoir for future invasions in nearby arable fields and olive groves. Each plant can produce 40-60 fruits with each fruit containing 60-120 seeds which are spread both naturally (via wind and through water movement) and through human assisted spread (dispersal via agricultural machinery). Negative impacts include outcompeting native species, reducing crop yields in agricultural systems and impacts on ecosystem services (for example pollinators). For both populations, eradication attempts should be applied to eliminate the invasive alien plant before further spread. Monitoring actions and control of the population are the measures to prevent further dispersal of the plant in agricultural land in the Cano site.
Sources
Tataridas A, Oliveira RS, Frazăo L, Moreira M, Travlos I, Freitas H (2022) Solanum elaeagnifolium Cav. (Solanales: Solanaceae) presence confirmed in Portugal. EPPO Bulletin 52, 499-504.