bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Farming carps in leased ponds by groups in Chandpur, Bangladesh.
Authors: Edwards Peter
Published: April 2021

This case study was prepared as part of an Asian Development Bank (ADB) Special Evaluation Study (SES) on Small-Scale Freshwater Rural Aquaculture for Poverty Reduction. The SES used primary and secondary data and published information to document the human, social, natural, physical and financial capital available to poor people involved in the production and consumption of freshwater farmed fish and to identify channels through which the poor are affected, such as through access to livelihood assets, markets and prices, access to services and facilities, and key institutions and processes. The case study is based on a part of the small-scale fisheries development component of the ADB-financed Command Area Development Project (CADP). The project developed on-farm field irrigation channels, improved the existing water distribution and drainage systems, and provided minor flood protection in the respective command areas of Pabna Irrigation System (PIS) located in Pabna District and Meghna-Dhonagoda Irrigation System (MDIS) located in Chandpur District. This case study focuses on small-scale freshwater aquaculture development in Matlab Upazila of the MDIS command area. An Upazila is an administrative government unit consisting of unions, each of which consists of villages. Aquaculture was developed within the irrigation command areas by providing extension services, organizational and management development support, and credit inputs primarily in small ponds for the poor.
Culture of native catfish in Bangladesh.
Authors: Mollah Md. Fazlul Awal
Published: April 2021

Bangladesh is rich in freshwater fish resources, with 260 indigenous and 13 exotic species. However, fish production from natural resources has declined due to overexploitation and lack of proper management over the last few decades. As a result, many species, including catfish that were once abundantly available, are facing the threat of extinction. Catfish in Bangladesh have potential for aquaculture. There are some 46 species of catfish in Bangladesh but non-availability of stockable-size fry has been identified as a major constraint towards their farming. However, seven species of catfish have been successfully induced to breed to propagate their seed under artificial conditions.
Crab fattening in Bangladesh.
Authors: Zafar Mohammad , Kamal Dipak
Published: April 2021

While shrimp culture has became untenable for farmers in Bangladesh due to the outbreak of viral and other diseases, the mud crab (Scylla olivacea) has emerged as a potential aquaculture species because of its high export demand and resistance to various diseases. The coastal area of Bangladesh has a suitable environment for widespread farming of mud crab, plus availability of seed and other facilities. Bangladesh does not have a long history in crab fattening. However, mud crab fattening in earthen ponds was started in 1993 in some coastal areas of the country. Recently, the traditional method of crab fattening in earthen ponds has been improved with scientific inputs. Crab fattening in cages has recently been assessed through a research project.
Coastal shrimp culture in Thailand.
Authors: Lin Chang
Published: April 2021

Shrimp farming in Thailand has evolved from traditional extensive to modern intensive systems and the predominant species was the indigenous, black tiger shrimp, Penaeus monodon. With current annual production approaching 400,000 t, intensive shrimp culture has saturated the available coastal areas along the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea, including estuaries, bays, tidal creeks, open coast and mangrove swamps. At one time shrimp farming spread to inland areas in the Central Plain. Despite its success, the shrimp farming industry has encountered a host of major problems, e.g. persistent disease outbreaks, broodstock quality, deterioration of pond and natural environment, and international trade barriers. In response to disease and water quality problems, protocols for pond management have evolved from an open system with frequent water exchange to semi-closed to closed systems, with little or zero water exchange during the grow-out cycle. Facing unshakable viral diseases stemming from contaminated broodstock and wild carrier organisms, farming of the indigenous species, P. monodon, came to a halt during early 2000. It was replaced by the exotic white shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei, which is now the predominant species cultured in Thailand. The culture of black tiger shrimp may become history due to disease and seed quality problems; the white shrimp will become the dominant species in most parts of Asia. The Thai shrimp culture industry is advancing towards maturity and sustainability with the following measures: *advancement in production of quality seed through a few nucleus breeding centres, especially in specific pathogen free and genetic improvement technologies *better understanding and prevention of diseases through adoption of bio-security measures *adoption of better management practices, product certification and traceability.
Commercial aquaponic system prototype, University of the Virgin Islands.
Authors:   CABI
Published: April 2021

Aquaponics is the combined culture of fish and plants in recirculating systems. Nutrients generated by the fish, either by direct excretion or the microbial breakdown of organic wastes, are absorbed by plant crops cultured hydroponically (without soil). Fish provide most of the nutrients required for plant growth. As the aquaculture effluent flows through the hydroponic component, fish waste metabolites are removed by nitrification and direct uptake by plants, thereby treating the water, which flows back to the fish-rearing component for reuse. The Aquaculture Research Program at the University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) has developed a commercial-scale aquaponic system for production of tilapia and hydroponic vegetables. The system, which occupies 0.05 ha of land, can annually produce 4.2-4.8 t of tilapia and 5 t of basil or 2.9 t of okra or 1400 cases (24-30 heads per case) of leaf lettuce. Research is being conducted on other vegetable crops.
Community-based aquaculture in northern uplands of Vietnam - emphasis on women's involvement.
Authors: Kibria Md.
Published: April 2021

The project titled "Aquaculture Development in Northern Uplands" (VIE/98/009/01/NEX) aimed during 1999-2002 at alleviating poverty in three provinces by diversifying rural development through the promotion of sustainable aquaculture activities, building capacity of the local population and project staff to address household food security issues, and reducing malnutrition of disadvantaged ethnic minorities (Dao, Hmong, Kinh, Tay but mostly Black Thai). The project stressed strengthening an extension network and improvement of seed production and its delivery system among the target groups in remote areas. Moreover, it gave high priority to gender education and women's involvement in all activities. The project was implemented by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), provincial Departments of Agriculture and Rural Development in Hoa Binh, Lai Chau and Son La, and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO) in cooperation with the Vietnam Ministry of Fisheries (MOFI). It was found through a field study among project beneficiaries that women play a vital role in aquaculture activities, although they are not involved in any activity without the support of men.
Cage fish culture in lakes of Pokhara Valley, Nepal.
Authors: Shrestha Madhav
Published: April 2021

Pokhara valley is situated at the southwestern part of Kaski district in west Nepal. Although the valley is comprised of eight large and small lakes, cage culture is predominant in Begnas, Phewa and Rupa Lakes. A vulnerable fisher community known as pode or jalari living around the lakes of Pokhara Valley is among several ethnic groups whose livelihood is entirely dependent on fishing in these water bodies. A livelihood support programme for rehabilitation through creation of employment and income generation for this deprived community through subsistence cage aquaculture was initiated in 1972 in the lakes of the valley. Since then cage aquaculture has grown at a steady rate and at present 21,650 m3 of cages exist in these water bodies which produced an estimated 88.4 t of fish in 2004 to support the livelihoods of the 109 fisher families. Floating cages using four bamboo poles in a square as a float are popular in the fishers group. Mainly two species of carp are popular for culture in cages: bighead carp (Aristichthys nobilis) and silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix). Occasionally, other species are also stocked with bighead and silver carp such as rohu (Labeo rohita) as a biological cleaning agent to reduce fouling of the cage. The grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) is also cultured in Lake Phewa on a small scale and is fed with grass. Average production of cages in Begnas, Phewa and Rupa Lakes is 3, 4.2 and 3.2 kg m-3 year-1, respectively.
An integrated system for farming fish, seaweed and abalone.
Authors: Neori Amir , Shpigel M.
Published: April 2021

The family of integrated sustainable mariculture technologies developed and implemented in Israel achieves sustainability by a holistic yet profitable approach. Filter feeders and algae use sunlight to convert polluted effluents from fish and shrimp culture into profitable products, while restoring water quality. The results are higher yield and income per feed and water inputs. The technologies are generic and modular, adaptable for fish or shrimp culture at any level of intensification. Marine fish, shrimp, seaweed, oysters, clams, abalone and sea urchins already grow on several farms, and others are planned. Mariculture effluents pass or recirculate through algae biofilter ponds stocked with phytoplankton or seaweed. These algae biofilters efficiently extract dissolved nutrients, carbon dioxide (CO2) and biological oxygen demand (BOD) from the effluent and recharge the effluent with dissolved oxygen (DO). The nutritious algae produced are marketed or nourish algivores - bivalves, brine shrimp, abalone or sea urchin. The integrated mariculture is profitable because of the sales of the biofilter organisms - shellfish and seaweed, and the greatly reduced environmental impact.
Eugenia uniflora (Surinam cherry).
Authors: Pasiecznik Nick
Published: April 2021

A datasheet on Eugenia uniflora covering, as an economically important tree, its taxonomy, importance, silviculture, distribution, biology and ecology, uses, products and pests.
Holmskioldia sanguinea (Chinese hat plant).
Authors: Datiles Marianne Jennifer , Acevedo-Rodríguez Pedro
Published: April 2021

A datasheet on Holmskioldia sanguinea covering, as an economically important tree, its taxonomy, importance, silviculture, distribution, biology and ecology, uses, products and pests.
Ptychosperma elegans (solitaire palm).
Authors: Vélez-Gavilán Jeanine
Published: April 2021

Ptychosperma elegans is a popular ornamental palm in temperate climate gardens and parks. It is native to Australia. Reported as invasive in Cuba, little else is known about its effects. Although it is not considered an invasive species in French Polynesia, researchers have emphasiszed the need for further evaluation in view of the paucity of data on the species. In Florida (USA) it is listed as a category II species defined as an "invasive exotic that has increased in abundance or frequency but has not yet altered Florida plant communities to the extent shown by Category I species". The species is regarded as a lesser public nuisance, with seedlings appearing in hedges and shady dooryards, but not elsewhere in Florida; dispersion is believed to be aided by birds. P. elegans is found, albeit infrequently, in gardens in the southwest of Europe. Although it is an attractive ornamental palm, its intolerance of extreme temperatures, rapid loss in seed viability, long germination period and poor drought- and fire-tolerance, are apparently limiting the spread and invasiveness of the species.
Dioscorea cayenensis (Guinea yam).
Authors: Vélez-Gavilán Jeanine
Published: April 2021

Dioscorea cayenensis, one of the cultivated tropical species of Dioscorea, is an important staple in Africa, with 2500 cultivars developed. It is a vine mostly known from cultivation, but also reported as escaped in the Panama Canal Zone. In Cuba, it is listed as a transformer species with a high possibility of becoming invasive, although there are no further details. The infrequently reported sexual reproduction, the digging of the tubers and its strict environmental requirements limit the spread of this species.
Cheilocostus speciosus (crepe ginger).
Authors: Rojas-Sandoval Julissa
Published: April 2021

Cheilocostus speciosus is one of the most common species of Costaceae in Asia and has been actively introduced as ornamental throughout the tropics. It has repeatedly escaped from cultivation and has become invasive in Cuba, American Samoa, Hawaii, Cook Islands, Micronesia, Fiji, French Polynesia, Palau, and Tonga. In Cuba, this species is listed as an ecosystem transformer. It spreads by seeds and by rhizome division and has the potential form dense thickets, principally in moist habitats.
Heliotropium curassavicum (salt heliotrope).
Authors: Rojas-Sandoval Julissa
Published: April 2021

Heliotropium curassavicum is an aggressive weed that rapidly colonizes new areas, in particular on disturbed saline soils and coastal areas in arid and semiarid habitats. It forms dense monospecific stands that displace native vegetation and alter successional pathways. A combination of traits, such as high seed germination and seedling establishment rates in open areas, along with its ability to shift between sexual reproduction to clonal growth (i.e., adventitious root buds) are responsible for the invasiveness and rapid spread of H. curassavicum. H. curassavicum has become one of the most common weeds in the Mediterranean Basin and the Nile Delta, where it is regarded as a serious ecological and agricultural problem, but it is also listed as invasive in countries across Europe, the Arabian Peninsula, Africa and in Anguilla in the Lesser Antilles.
Leptochloa mucronata (mucronate sprangletop).
Authors: Cubiñá Alejandro
Published: April 2021

Leptochloa mucronata is a grass native to the warmer parts of North, Central and South America and the Caribbean; taxonomists disagree over whether the form found in the Caribbean is part of the same species or should be classified separately as Leptochloa panicea ssp. brachiata. The species is present in a number of countries in south and south-east Asia, in a few countries in Africa, and in Australia; in most of these countries it is considered to be introduced, although it is reported as native in some of them. Little information is available about how it was spread, but it probably involved the accidental movement of seeds. In parts of both its native range and its introduced range it is a significant agricultural weed, and this is the main reason why it is of interest, although there have been some studies of its use as a green manure.
Russelia equisetiformis (firecracker plant).
Authors: Vélez-Gavilán Jeanine
Published: April 2021

Russelia equisetiformis is a shrub that is widely cultivated around the world (PROTA. 2016). It is listed as an invasive and a transformer species in Cuba (Oviedo Prieto et al., 2012). In Oceania it is reported as an invasive species that has escaped from cultivation in Fiji, French Polynesia, Kiribati, New Caledonia, Niue and Palau (PIER, 2016). In Florida it is regarded by Florida's Exotic Pest Plant Council as a category III species; a widespread species that has the potential to form dense monocultures, primarily on disturbed sites (FLEPPC, 1993). It is regarded as a low risk species in Hawaii (Bezona et al., 2009).
Senna alata (candle bush).
Authors: Vélez-Gavilán Jeanine
Published: April 2021

S. alata is a shrub or small tree that is used as an ornamental and a cultivated plant throughout its range (Irwin and Barneby, 1982; PROTA, 2016). The species is reported as escaping from cultivation and becoming a weed in pastures, disturbed areas, orchards, plantations and shrublands (Irwin and Barneby, 1982; ILDIS, 2016). Livestock do not eat it, so the species has the potential to spread rapidly without control (ILDIS, 2016). It is reported as invasive in Asia (Hong Kong, Philippines, Singapore), East Africa and Oceania (Australia, Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, French Polynesia, Galapagos Islands, Guam, Hawaii, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa and Tonga) (PIER, 2016). It is regarded as a significant environmental weed in the Northern Territory of Australia (Weeds of Australia, 2016). Risk assessments prepared for both Australia and the Pacific classed it as high risk (PIER, 2016).
Youngia japonica (oriental false hawksbeard).
Authors: Rojas-Sandoval Julissa
Published: April 2021

Youngia japonica is a cosmopolitan herb that often grows as an agricultural and environmental weed. Native to temperate and tropical Asia and Australia, it has been introduced in Africa, the Canary Islands, the Americas and many Pacific Islands. It is commonly found in disturbed areas, wastelands, roadsides, abandoned pastures, lawns, cultivated fields and forest margins, but it is also able to penetrate into intact or minimally-disturbed natural areas. This species is a prolific seed producer and its seeds can be easily dispersed by wind and water or as contaminant in soil or crop and grass seeds. Y. japonica is adapted to grow in a wide range of climates and substrates and once it reaches a new area, it grows and spreads very quickly as new seeds are produced copiously.
Codiaeum variegatum (garden croton).
Authors: Ventosa-Febles Eduardo A. , Cordero-Ramos Nicole
Published: April 2021

Codiaeum variegatum is a shrub or small tree that is widely grown as an ornamental garden or pot plant. A large number of varieties that differ in leave size, shape and colour have been developed and introduced worldwide. Its invasive potential comes from its strong mutation tendencies, resilience to fairly harsh weather and ease of propagation.
Leonurus sibiricus (siberian motherwort).
Authors: Vélez-Gavilán Jeanine
Published: April 2021

Leonurus sibiricus is an annual to biennial herb native to Russia, Mongolia and China. It is confined to grasslands and Pinus forests in its original native distribution. Records of L. sibiricus are often wrongly attributed and belong to the species L. japonicus, which is naturalized worldwide and is considered invasive in some areas, including Cuba and some islands in Oceania.
Trachypogon spicatus (spiked crinkleawn).
Authors: Rojas-Sandoval Julissa
Published: April 2021

Trachypogon spicatus is a perennial grass with a large native distribution range extending from North America to South America, and across tropical and subtropical Africa. This species is weedy within its native range and is considered a weed of plantations in Tanzania and a weed of pastures across Africa. Despite being included in a list of invasive plant species in Cuba, no information is provided regarding its impact, and another source records T. spicatus as native to Cuba.
Alternanthera bettzickiana (calico plant).
Authors: Vélez-Gavilán Jeanine
Published: April 2021

There are no published reports about the invasiveness of A. bettzickiana, a cultivated herb not known from the wild other than where escaped from cultivation. In most of the countries where it occurs, it is reported as an ornamental species (Missouri Botanical Garden, 2016). In Palau, although is listed as only planted near the Capitol, it is listed as a species of possible threat without further information (Space et al., 2009). In Texas it is not considered as a threat to native plant communities, although occasionally escaping to disturbed areas near where planted (Nesom, 2009). It is reported as a short-term escape for India (Sankaran et al., 2014) and common and not invasive in Taiwan (Wu et al., 2004). It is also escaped and naturalized in the British Virgin Islands, Costa Rica, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Peru and St. Lucia (D'Arcy, 1967; Graveson, 2012; Missouri Botanical Garden, 2016), but without further details.
Cyathula prostrata (pasture weed).
Authors: Ventosa-Febles Eduardo
Published: April 2021

Cyathula prostrata is an annual to short-lived perennial herb native to Africa and Asia and some parts of Oceania, now found naturalized elsewhere in Oceania and in South and Central America. It grows as a weed in cultivated land, roadsides, grazing land, along seashores and in primary and secondary forests and is classed as an invasive species in a number of Pacific Islands.
Mussaenda erythrophylla (red flag bush).
Authors: Rojas-Sandoval Julissa
Published: April 2021

Mussaenda erythrophylla is a popular ornamental plant grown in parks and gardens across tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Their showy and colourful inflorescences (from bright crimson to deep red) make this plant attractive for horticulturalists. It has also escaped from cultivation and can be found naturalized in forest edges, secondary forests, riverbanks, shrubby savannahs, and in thickets along roadsides. Plants in cultivation usually do not produce fruits, but spread vegetatively by layering. M. erythrophylla is a species of environmental concern because it is a vigorous plant that can form dense thickets up to 10 m high that can easily outcompete and displace other vegetation including native plant species.
Brassica rapa (field mustard).
Authors: Vélez-Gavilán Jeanine
Published: April 2021

Brassica rapa is an annual to biennial herb that is widely cultivated as a vegetable or oilseed crop. It has escaped and become weedy or invasive in cultivated fields and disturbed areas. In Oceania it is listed as an invasive in Australia, Fiji, New Caledonia and New Zealand. In North America it is listed as invasive in some areas of Canada and the USA. In USA, seed use is restricted in Arizona and Michigan. It is also listed as invasive in Cuba, Mexico, Nicaragua, Chile, Ecuador and Peru. There is limited information available about its invasiveness and how it affects habitats, but it has been reported that the species can displace desirable vegetation if not properly managed. In California, USA it establishes in disturbed areas and forms dense stands that can displace native vegetation. In Mexico, although B. rapa is a frequent species in disturbed areas, there are no conclusive data about its negative impact on natural habitats. Its low stature prevents B. rapa from shading other species, and as most of its growth occurs during the winter months and the rainy season it avoids competition with many native species.
Odontonema nitidum (shrubby toothedthread).
Authors: Areces-Berazain Fabiola
Published: April 2021

Odontonema nitidum is a shrub endemic to the Caribbean. It has been reported as common or locally abundant in moist, often disturbed places, on some of the islands. The species is listed as invasive in Cuba, but no information on its impact seems to exist.
Zingiber capitatum (wild ginger).
Authors: Kaufman Sylvan
Published: April 2021

Zingiber capitatum is a herbaceous, perennial plant that spreads by rhizomes and possibly also by seed. It is native to India and is probably also native to Bangladesh and Nepal. It has medicinal properties and is likely to have been introduced to countries outside its native range for horticultural use. It is cultivated in Brazil and is also present in China and Vietnam. It is described as an invasive, transformer species in Cuba, but this is thought to be a misidentification. It is not listed as a weed or invasive species in any other country and information on its possible impact on habitats or biodiversity outside of its native range is lacking.
Chloris gayana (Rhodes grass).
Authors: Rojas-Sandoval Julissa
Published: April 2021

Chloris gayana is a robust, strongly stoloniferous grass native to Africa that has been extensively introduced as forage across tropical and subtropical regions. Traits such as its ability to grow in a wide range of environmental conditions, its drought-resistance and its ability to rapidly reproduce both by seeds and vegetatively have facilitated its escape from cultivation and subsequent naturalization. Once established, C. gayana often grows to form almost pure stands that smother native species. Currently, this species is regarded as an invasive in Australia, Spain, Argentina, Paraguay, Mexico, Costa Rica, Cuba, Anguilla, New Caledonia, New Zealand and Hawaii. It is also included in the Global Compendium of Weeds.
Cucumis anguria (west Indian gherkin).
Authors: Rojas-Sandoval Julissa
Published: April 2021

Cucumis anguria is a vine native to southern Africa, now cultivated across tropical and subtropical regions. As it can readily self-seed, it has escaped cultivation and become naturalized. It is an aggressive weed, outcompeting native species for space and resources. Stems usually sprawl over the ground, but can also climb into other plants for support, attaching themselves by means of tendrils. This species is regarded as an invasive weed in parts of North America, Australia, Anguilla, Costa Rica, Argentina and the French Polynesia and is a serious weed in peanut fields in the southern USA.
Cynodon plectostachyus (African stargrass).
Authors: Rojas-Sandoval Julissa
Published: April 2021

C. plectostachyus is a grass cultivated as a forage species that has been established and has persisted in pastures across the tropics and which currently occupies a large area principally in wet areas. It can grow on a wide range of habitats and soil types and competes well with other grasses and weeds due to its aggressive growth and rapid propagation. It is a fast-growing grass characterized by a rapid elongation of stolons and a rapid production and death of leaves, displacing native vegetation and generating large accumulation of dry-matter biomass associated with changes in fuel load and fire regimes in invaded habitats (Barkworth, 2003; Heuzé et al., 2015; PROTA, 2015). C. plectostachyus recovers quickly after fire, and can even benefit from fire through spittlebug and disease control (FAO, 2015; Heuzé et al., 2015). Currently, C. plectostachyus is listed as invasive in California (USA), Cuba, and Brazil (Oviedo Prieto et al., 2012; I3N-Brasil, 2015; USDA-NRCS, 2015).
Lygodium flexuosum (maidenhair creeper).
Authors: Vélez-Gavilán Jeanine
Published: April 2021

L. flexuosum is a climbing fern from the tropical and subtropical regions of Asia and Australia (Yadav et al., 2012). Although it is not listed as invasive in native habitats, it is reported as a weed of rice fields, rubber, oil palm and tea plantations (USDA-APHIS-PPQ, 2009). It is reported as invasive in rice fields in Asia (Araflora, 2019). Although there is little information available about the species in general, it shares traits with other Lygodium species that are invasive. These traits are: massive production of wind-dispersed spores; self-compatible gametophytes; tolerance to fire; fast growth; and high photosynthetic rate (USDA-APHIS-PPQ, 2009). L. flexuosum is classified as one of the 15 species with great invasive potential in the USA (Yadav et al., 2012).
Dactyloctenium aegyptium (crowfoot grass).
Authors: Rojas-Sandoval Julissa
Published: April 2021

Producing large quantities of seeds, D. aegyptium is a pioneer grass that quickly colonizes disturbed areas with light sandy soils, often near to coasts or where water accumulates. It is a common component of weed floras throughout the tropics but is rarely reported as an aggressive weed on its own. It is not on federal or state noxious weed lists in the USA and is not recorded on the ISSG database but is recorded by PIER (2016) as invasive on a number of Pacific and American islands including French Polynesia Islands, Micronesia, the Northern Mariana Islands and Hawaii. It is also listed as invasive on islands in the Mediterranean, the USA, Mexico, Costa Rica, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands and the Lesser Antilles (Vibrans, 2009; Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council, 2011;Chacón and Saborío, 2012; Burg et al., 2012; Rojas-Sandoval and Acevedo-Rodríguez, 2015; DAISIE, 2016; USDA-NRCS, 2016).
Funtumia elastica (west African rubber tree).
Authors: Vélez-Gavilán Jeanine
Published: April 2021

Funtumia elastica is a medium-sized rubber tree native to tropical West Africa. It is considered an invasive species in forest understorey and naturally disturbed areas in Samoa and Martinique. It produces an immense quantity of seeds that are adapted for wind dispersal and its establishment has been favoured by fire and cyclones or hurricanes on these islands. This species can form monospecific stands, outcompeting native species. In some of its native habitats in Africa, F. elastica is a rare canopy species of primary and secondary forests, even being considered an endangered species in some Nigerian forests.
Pteris multifida (spider brake).
Authors: Velez-Gavilán Jeanine
Published: April 2021

Pteris multifida is a herbaceous fern native to temperate and tropical eastern Asia and naturalized on many continents as a result of being widely cultivated. Although it is an urban weed, it is not considered by most countries as an invasive or noxious weed. There is no information available on the species affecting native species or natural habitats. Although one source lists P. multifida as an invasive species in many countries outside of Africa due to it being easily dispersed by spores, there are no references or further information to support this statement. It is reported as an alien invasive species in Germany, but only as occurring in sheltered sites, growing on light-vents in cellars and walls. A species assessment for Florida, USA indicates, P. multifida is neither a weed of natural habitats nor of agriculture. The species has not been listed as an invasive plant in any state or natural areas of the USA. However, P. multifida has been assigned a Tier II Invasive Species status (defined as having moderate negative impacts on wildlife or natural communities in Louisiana), but of limited concern and/or extent in Louisiana. Pteris multifida is recorded in Cuba as potentially invasive being categorized as a species with a tendency to proliferate in some areas and capable of producing vast amounts of diaspores with high dispersal potential. No further details are given about potential invasiveness.
Eranthemum pulchellum (blue-sage).
Authors: Duenas-Lopez Manuel Angel
Published: April 2021

Eranthemum pulchellum is an evergreen shrub with a native range across South and South-East Asia. It has been introduced as an ornamental plant in tropical and subtropical countries. It is widely cultivated in the tropics and will occasionally escape from cultivation. It is naturalized in Queensland, Australia, but there is no clear evidence of naturalization elsewhere. There is no evidence of any impacts it its introduced range and it is not considered to be an invasive species.
Ixora coccinea (flame-of-the-woods).
Authors: Chabert-Llompart José
Published: April 2021

Ixora coccinea is a dense, multi-branched evergreen shrub native to India and Sri Lanka. It is found worldwide in tropical and subtropical climates and has naturalized in Puerto Rico, presumably dispersed by birds. I. coccinea has been occasionally persisting around former habitations and waste areas in Florida. There is no evidence to suggest or imply that I. coccinea is an invasive species.
Kalanchoe blossfeldiana (flaming katy).
Authors: Rojas-Sandoval Julissa
Published: April 2021

Kalanchoe blossfeldiana is probably the most popular and widely cultivated Kalanchoe species. It is often planted as an indoor potted plant and as an outdoor ornamental. This species has escaped from cultivation and can be found naturalized in disturbed and waste areas near cultivation. Currently it is listed as invasive in the Dominican Republic, Chile and the Galapagos Islands.
Lupinus angustifolius (narrow-leaf lupin).
Authors: Rojas-Sandoval Julissa
Published: April 2021

Lupinus angustifolius is a fast growing annual herb native to the Mediterranean regions of Europe, Asia and Africa. It has been widely introduced in tropical and subtropical regions of the world for use as green manure, forage and as a grain legume and soil improver. In many places it is an agricultural and environmental weed. It is naturalized primarily along roadsides, in disturbed areas, secondary forests and in ruderal areas near cultivation. L. angustifolius is able to suppress native plant species by altering soil characteristics through its nitrogen fixing activity, allowing the spread of other non-native species. It is listed as invasive in Australia.
Drymaria arenarioides (alfombrilla).
Authors: Vélez-Gavilán Jeanine
Published: April 2021

Drymaria arenarioides is a short-lived perennial herb native to Mexico. At present it is not found outside its native distribution, but it is found very close to the southwest border of the USA, near Arizona and New Mexico. Although it is not listed as invasive, the species is spreading to the north of Mexico, and has established itself across approximately 2 million acres in Chihuahua. As it is fatally poisonous to livestock, D. arenarioides has been declared a Federal Noxious Weed and an USDA APHIS Regulated Pest in the USA.
Pyracantha coccinea (scarlet firethorn).
Authors: Vélez-Gavilán Jeanine
Published: April 2021

Pyracantha coccinea is a thorny shrub, native to southern Europe and western Asia, which has been widely introduced, primarily as an ornamental plant. It is of some concern due to its potential effects on natural habitats and its being a potential reservoir of the fruit-tree pathogen Erwinia amylovora, but is has only been recorded as invasive in a small number of countries, and in most of these sources differ as to how invasive it is.
Trachelospermum jasminoides (star-jasmine).
Authors: Rojas-Sandoval Julissa
Published: April 2021

T. jasminoides is a fast-growing liana often grown as ornamental that has escaped from cultivation to become invasive in forest edges and disturbed sites near cultivation. Even when this species does not produce seeds when growing in cultivation, it spreads vegetatively by cuttings, stem fragments, and lateral extensions of the stems. This species rapidly colonies new areas by self-layers, sending out roots from leaf nodes and stem tips wherever they touch the ground (Gilman, 1999; Clifford and Kobayashi, 2010; PFAF, 2017). It climbs high into the canopy of mature forests smothering native trees, out-competing understory plants, and reducing plant diversity (BEST, 2003; BEST, 2013).
Themeda quadrivalvis (grader grass).
Authors: Rojas-Sandoval Julissa
Published: April 2021

Themeda quadrivalvis is an annual grass found as a weed in grasslands, disturbed areas and agricultural land. It is native to the Indian Subcontinent and South East Asia but has been widely introduced to the Americas, Africa and Oceania. It is recorded as invasive in Mexico, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Reunion, Australia, Fiji and New Caledonia. It is spread unintentionally as a contaminant in straw packing, pasture seed and on vehicles and machinery. Once established, it forms dense thickets that prevent seedling establishment; this causes ecosystem change, altered fire regimes and reduced native biodiversity.
Triumfetta rhomboidea (diamond burbark).
Authors: Areces-Berazain Fabiola
Published: April 2021

Triumfetta rhomboidea is an environmental and agricultural weed widely distributed in the tropics and subtropics worldwide. It is a competitive shrub species that disperses by means of its epizoochorous burs, and can become invasive in pastures and disturbed areas where it can form dense stands. It has been listed as invasive in Cuba, Mayotte, India, Australia, American Samoa, Cook Islands, French Polynesia, Hawaii, New Caledonia, Niue, Tonga and Wallis and Futuna.
Arracacia xanthorrhiza (arracacha).
Authors: Vélez-Gavilán Jeanine
Published: April 2021

A. xanthorriza is a biennial to perennial herb, which is mainly reported from cultivation or as persistent in old fields and nearby areas. It is mostly confined to South American Andean regions and is a major commercial crop in Brazil. It is used by an estimated 30 million people in the Andes and 30 million people elsewhere, mainly in Brazil (Heywood, 2014). It is not considered as an invasive species and wild populations are scarce (Hermann, 1997). Outside of South America, it is reported as commercially cultivated in Puerto Rico and Costa Rica (Hodge, 1954). It is not reported as an invasive species in any of the places where is cultivated. It is listed as a species that has naturalised in Cuba with the tendency to spread in some localities (Oviedo Prieto et al., 2012). Its introduction has been unsuccessful in some countries due to its photoperiod and temperature requirements, long growing cycle, its susceptibility to pests and diseases and the short shelf life of the roots (FAO, 2016).
Jasminum simplicifolium (Australian wax jasmine).
Authors: Vélez-Gavilán Jeanine
Published: April 2021

Jasminum simplicifolium is a scandent shrub or vine native to Oceania that is occasionally used as an ornamental. It has been introduced outside its native range elsewhere in Oceania and in the Americas, Asia and Europe. J. simplicifolium can grow to form impenetrable tangles, smothering native species. Its only report as an invasive was in Bermuda in the early 1900's. Although the species is currently reported as present in Bermuda, its current status as an invasive in this country is not confirmed. There are no reports of the species being invasive in other countries.
Basella alba (malabar spinach).
Authors: Vélez-Gavilán Jeanine
Published: April 2021

Basella alba is a herbaceous, perennial vine cultivated as a leafy vegetable and ornamental in tropical and subtropical and occasionally extending into temperate regions as an annual. It is listed as a potential environmental weed in Australia and as a weed of sugarcane fields on Iriomote Island, Japan. The species is considered an invasive species in Cambodia, China, Philippines, Taiwan, Hawaii, Cuba, Colombia, Ecuador, French Polynesia, Palau, Papua New Guinea and the US Minor Outlying Islands. Although no details of its invasiveness are provided, B. alba can grow rampantly in ideal conditions and can become invasive if not properly managed when it is in cultivation. Given that species reproduces easily, by seeds and vegetatively, and grows quickly, B. alba has a great capacity to become invasive in suitable areas. More information is needed on this species' invasiveness and its impacts to properly assess how it is affecting habitats and other species, and determine the risk it poses to countries where it is not yet invasive.
Bergia capensis (white water fire).
Authors: Vélez-Gavilán Jeanine
Published: April 2021

Bergia capensis is a small annual herb which grows in wet places and is native to Africa, southern China and tropical Asia. It has been introduced, probably (although no details are available) unintentionally through the cultivation and trade of rice, in Europe, Central America, Mexico and the Caribbean. Although it grows in rice fields, no information is available about possible impacts on rice crops, and there are only limited reports of its being invasive anywhere.
Dolichandra unguis-cati (cat's claw creeper).
Authors: Rojas-Sandoval Julissa
Published: April 2021

Dolichandra unguis-cati is a vigorous, woody vine that can climb up to 15 m or higher. Due to its showy yellow flowers, it has been widely introduced as a garden ornamental. It has escaped from cultivation and become a significant invader of cultivated orchards, riparian corridors, natural forest remnants and disturbed areas, such as roadsides and urban spaces. D. unguis-cati clings tenaciously to any substrate with adventitious roots and clawed tendrils. This vigorous growth allows it to sprawl over other vegetation and, through a combination of both shading and weight, it can kill even large canopy trees. In the absence of climbing support, D. unguis-cati grows along the ground forming a thick carpet that inhibits the growth and seed germination of native understorey vegetation including native grasses, herbs and seedlings of shrubs and trees. Currently, this vine species is listed as invasive in Kenya, Malawi, Tanzania, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, India, China, Mauritius, New Caledonia, Cuba, the Bahamas and the USA including Hawaii, Florida and Texas (Kairo et al., 2003; Henderson, 2001; Weber et al., 2008; Weeds of Australia, 2011; Oviedo Prieto et al., 2012; Randall, 2012; PIER, 2016).
Avocado diseases affecting fruit quality
Authors: Everett Kerry R.
Published: April 2021

The avocado (
Persea americana
Mill.) is from an ancient plant lineage, the Lauraceae. Although evidence for human consumption dates back 15,000 years, commercialisation has occurred only over the last 150 years. The most commonly traded variety was first the green-skin ‘Fuerte’ (green as it ripens), and more recently ‘Hass’, on which skin darkens when ripe. Production has been increasing worldwide, and currently about 64 countries produce avocados. The range of climates is from arid to very high rainfall and from tropical to temperate. The minimum daily temperatures are above 5°C in all avocado-growing regions because of frost sensitivity. Apart from avocado sunblotch viroid (ASBVd), most avocado fruit diseases are caused by fungi. Some fungi cause visible symptoms resulting in unmarketable fruit, and other infections in the orchard are symptomless. These symptomless infections express as rots after harvest during cold storage, transport and ripening. Most post-harvest pathogens infect through both the body of the fruit and the stem-end wound, while a few infect only through the stem-end wound. The geographic distribution of these fungi varies possibly because of differences in environmental requirements and effective quarantine measures during trade. Fungal rots can be reduced by the application of fungicides in the orchard, removing inoculum residing in dead branches and mummified fruit in the canopy, ensuring high-calcium levels in the fruit flesh are maintained, careful post-harvest handling and selling fruit as soon after harvest as possible. Some post-harvest fungicides can be effective.
Physicochemical and thermal properties of lignocellulosic fibers from wheat straw: Effect of seawater modification
Authors: Jiang Liangpeng , Wang Hao , Kong Yue , Du Peng
Published: April 2021

Lignocellulosic fibers have been widely used to reinforce polymer composites. Chemical modification of the fibers can improve the fiber properties and fiber-polymer interfacial compatibility. This study considered an eco-friendly process that can reduce environmental pollution by modifying lignocellulosic fibers using seawater rather than chemical reagents. The effects of seawater modification on the physical, chemical, and thermal properties of lignocellulosic fibers obtained from wheat straw were investigated. After seawater modification, the modified fibers had a lower number of hydrogen bonds, hemicellulose, lignin, and silicon content, and higher water absorption, crystallinity, surface roughness, and thermal stability. Considering the essential components of seawater, the contribution of NaCl during the modification process was the most significant, followed by that of the bivalent salts (MgCl2 + CaCl2 + SrCl2), Na2SO4, and trace-component (KCl + NaHCO3 + KBr + H3BO3 + NaF).
Low-calcination temperatures of magnesia partially stabilized zirconia (Mg-PSZ) nanoparticles derived from local zirconium silicates
Authors: Wahyudi Kristanto , Maryani Eneng , Arifiadi Ferry , Rostika Atiek , Yusuf Dedek , Manullang Ria Julyana , Suyanti  , Septawendar Rifki
Published: April 2021

Partially stabilized zirconia (PSZ) exhibits excellent physical, mechanical, electrical, chemical, thermal, and bioactive properties. Therefore, it is frequently used as a material for thermal barrier coatings, refractories, oxygen-permeating membranes, dental and bone implants. In this study, magnesia-partially stabilized zirconia nanoparticles were successfully prepared from zirconium silicates and MgSO4 assisted with PEG-6000 via a facile templating method. The MgO concentration was varied from 1%–10% in wt% of ZrO2. Zirconium silicates were initially converted to Zr-precursor solution, exhibiting pH 3. Then, the appropriate amount of the Mg-precursor was mixed with the proper amount of the Zr-precursor solution. A 10%(w/v) PEG-6000 solution was added into the PSZ precursor solution at a ratio of the precursor-to-PEG volumes of about 15:1 under stirring and heating, resulting in a very fine white gel. The gel was filtered, dried, and then calcined at elevated temperatures of 600, 800, and 1000 °C. The characteristics of the final product were then evaluated. According to the experimental results, the MgO concentration influences the ZrO2 phase transformation at elevated calcination temperatures. In this study, the lower the MgO dopant concentration added into ZrO2, the more stable the t- ZrO2 phase in PSZ samples at high temperatures. However, the MgO presence is detected as periclase in all samples with a very low peak intensity at elevated calcination temperatures. The obtained PSZ samples consist of nanoparticles and high agglomeration, some of particles exhibit elongated and rod-like shapes. The PEG existence during the PSZ preparation has restrained particle interaction and aggregation of the as-synthesized PSZ samples, leading to PSZ nanoparticles evolution.
Effects of Sc addition on microstructure, mechanical and corrosion resistance properties of 7055 Al alloy
Authors: Huang Kai , Feng Qin , Zhou Wenbiao , Huang Liang , Xiang Jing , Luo Nengneng , Han Kai , Zhu Yutao , Wei Yuezhou
Published: April 2021

This research investigates the influences of different contents of Sc on the microstructure, mechanical, electrical conductivities and corrosion resistance properties of 7055 alloy. The effect of Sc can increase the non-uniform nucleation of the alloy and significantly refine the casting structure of the alloy. In addition, the addition of Sc not only inhibits grain coarsening, pins GBs and restrains recovery and recrystallisation, but also maintains the effect of fibre structure during the formation of high-density nano-Al3 (Sc, Zr) phase precipitation. Compared with pure 7055 alloys, the hardness, tensile strength, elongation, electrical conductivity and corrosion resistance of 7055 alloys with Sc are improved remarkably. After adding a little Sc, the grain size of the alloy is refined from 80um to 40um, and the properties of the alloy are improved. When Sc content is 0.25%, the tensile strength of the alloy increases from 623.1mpa to 685.9mpa, and the self-etching current density decreases from 1.56 × 10−5 to 8.74 × 10−7, and the corrosion resistance is also greatly improved.