Prioritization of plant species from the EPPO Alert List
In May 2023, the EPPO Panel on Invasive Alien Plants assessed three species from the EPPO Alert List using the EPPO Standard PM 5/6 EPPO Prioritization process for invasive alien plants. A summary for each species is detailed below.
Lycium ferocissimum (Solanaceae)
Lycium ferocissimum is native to South Africa and is established in the EPPO region in Cyprus, France, Morrocco, and Spain. n the EPPO region, the species has a high spread potential as birds can spread seeds over long distances when feeding on the fruits. The potential impact of L. ferocissimum is high as it can form dense stands which outcompete native species. Impacts have also been recorded as high in agricultural areas in Australia where control is both difficult and costly. L. ferocissimum has been transferred from the Alert List to the EPPO List of Invasive Alien Plants. The species is a priority for a Pest Risk Analysis as a number of entry pathways have been identified including plants for planting (horticulture) and as a contaminant of used machinery and equipment.
Solanum sisymbriifolium (Solanaceae)
Solanum sisymbriifolium is native to South America (Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay and Peru). In the EPPO region, the species has a high spread potential as mammals can spread seeds and seeds may also be spread as a contaminant of used machinery and equipment. The potential impact of S. sisymbriifolium is moderate, the species may have negative impacts on native plant species and there may be the potential for impacts on irrigated crops in the Mediterranean region. The EPPO Panel on Invasive Alien Plants notes that S. sisymbriifolium is used as a beneficial plant in agriculture as it is used as a trap crop for Globodera rostochiensis (potato cyst nematode). In countries where the species shows signs of invasiveness, it should be monitored and managed where needed. S. sisymbriifolium has been transferred from the Alert List to the EPPO Observation List.
Trianthema portulacastrum (Aizoaceae)
Trianthema portulacastrum has a wide native range including the Americas, Asia and Africa. In the EPPO region it is established in Israel and Jordan where it occurs in ruderal habitats, roadsides, lakes, riverbanks, creeks, coastal areas and agricultural habitats. It has a high spread potential: seed is dispersed by water and agricultural practices. The potential impact of T. portulacastrum is high, yield losses have been reported in maize, soybean, peanut and mung bean. Pathways for entry include plants for planting (horticulture) and potentially as a seed contaminant of seeds for planting and grain. Further analysis is required on the potential for further spread in a significant area of the EPPO region. T. portulacastrum has been transferred from the Alert List to the EPPO List of Invasive Alien Plants.
Sources
EPPO Global Database: https://gd.eppo.int/