First report of Solanum elaeagnifolium in Lebanon
The Near East countries Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria share some rivers and borders and have an intensive exchange of products and movement of people and animals, enhancing the risk of potential biological invasions. Solanum elaeagnifolium (Solanaceae, EPPO A2 List) was unintentionally introduced in 1967 in Syria, in 1970 in Jordan and Iraq and in 2012 in Lebanon. The species was detected for the first time in Southeastern Jordan and in Lebanon during the FAO project TCP/RAB/3301 ‘Management of the Invasive Plant Solanum elaeagnifolium in the Near East’ (2010-2013). Syria remains the most highly invaded country: S.;elaeagnifolium is reported to occupy 27;562 ha. Cultivated and non-cultivated lands, such as roadsides, irrigation canals and wastelands are the most invaded habitats.
Sources
Bouhache M ; Gbehounou G (2013) Current situation of Solanum elaeagnifolium Cav. invasion in the Near East (Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria). Abstract of a paper presented at the 1st Mediterranean Workshop on Solanum elaeagnifolium (Thessaloniki, GR, 2013-06-04/06).