Prioritization of plant species from the EPPO Alert List
In May 2024, the EPPO Panel on Invasive Alien Plants assessed four 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.
- Artemisia princeps (Asteraceae)
Artemisia princeps is native to Asia and is established in Belgium and the Netherlands where it occurs in ruderal habitats. It has a moderate spread potential where natural spread occurs by seed and rhizomes. The potential impact of A. princeps on biodiversity is high, it can form dense monospecific stands outcompeting native species. There are currently no reports of negative impacts on agriculture. A. princeps has been transferred from the Alert List to the EPPO Observation List.
- Euphorbia davidii (Euphorbiaceae)
Euphorbia davidii is native to North America and is established in the EPPO region in Bulgaria, France, Hungary, Italy, Moldova, Russia, Serbia and Ukraine. In the EPPO region, E. davidii occurs in agricultural habitats. It has a high spread potential where seed is naturally spread locally and potentially more widely by human assistance. The potential impact of E. davidii on agriculture is high. In Serbia, the presence of dense patches can have a negative effect on the size of maize plants and can initiate early ripening of sunflower heads. E. davidii 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.
- Euphorbia heterophylla (Euphorbiaceae)
Euphorbia heterophylla is native to the Americas. In the EPPO region it occurs in Cyprus, Greece, Israel, Italy and Spain (Canary Islands) where it is present in agricultural and ruderal habitats. Its spread potential is high as seed can be moved by agricultural machinery. The potential impact on agriculture is high. Globally it is reported to reduce yields in a variety of different crops. Climatic conditions in the EPPO region might limit its occurrence. E. heterophylla has been transferred from the Alert List to the EPPO List of Invasive Alien Plants.
- Sarracenia purpurea (Sarraceniaceae)
Sarracenia purpurea is native to North America. It is found in isolated populations in the EPPO region, mainly in Western Europe. The spread potential of S. purpurea is moderate. It is deliberately planted in the natural environment by carnivorous plant enthusiasts and natural spread is low. The potential impact on biodiversity is high, S. purpurea is planted in habitats of high conservation and it can displace the bryophyte community. S. purpurea has been transferred from the Alert List to the EPPO Observation List.
Sources
EPPO Global Database: https://gd.eppo.int/
EPPO (2012) PM 5/6 EPPO prioritization process for invasive alien plants. EPPO Bulletin 43, 463-474.