Scientists find 91% invasive plants changed behaviour in new regions

Scientists have compared the same invasive plant species in Europe and North America and found that they became 91% more productive after spreading to new habitats. The increase was seen only in the plants' non-native ranges and not in the places where they naturally grow. The researchers say the findings help explain why some invasive plants spread so successfully after arriving in a new environment. They believe these plants may escape natural enemies such as herbivores and harmful soil biota, allowing them to grow much better than they do in their native habitats. The study compared five invasive plant species in Germany and the United States. While the plants produced much more biomass in their non-native habitats, they showed little or no increase in productivity in their native ranges, the study published by European Commision said.