First report of Ambrosia trifida in Montenegro
Ambrosia trifida (Asteraceae – EPPO A2 List) is native to North America and it is considered to be a weed in many US states. It was introduced into the EPPO region at the end of the 19th century, and its range has expanded since the mid-1900s. Floristic surveys were conducted in Montenegro in 2019, 2020, and 2024 in areas covering the Zeta River, the Morača River, and Lake Skadar. The Morača and Zeta rivers are the main rivers within the Lake Skadar basin. A. trifida was identified in the Sub-Mediterranean subregion of Montenegro along rivers, roadsides, and wet meadows. The populations consisted of between a couple of individuals per site to over 200 individuals scattered over an area of 2 square kilometres. A. trifida can be considered to be naturalised at three of the known locations, and the population of 200 individuals as naturalised and invasive. Further monitoring of the populations is required and control measures should be implemented to prevent A. trifida becoming invasive throughout Montenegro.
Sources
Hadžiablahović S, Hadžiablahović H (2024) The first record of non-native Ambrosia trifida L. (asteraceae) in Montenegro. Section of Natural, Mathematical and Biotechnical Sciences 44, DOI: 10.20903/masa/nmbsci.2023.44.21