4. Research on Invasive Species
INRA-France. “A first in tree research: European trees planted in China to identify potentially
invasive species in our forests.” ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 3 June 2015.
<www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/06/150603083202.htm> .
INRA scientists from France worked alongside Beijing scientists to study the invasion of insects on trees over the years. Many European tree species have been invaded by Asian insects, larvae, and fungi. The group of scientists planted seven species of European trees in two different locations in China. About 400 trees were planted at the Beijing site and 700 on the Fuyang site. These trees were regularly monitored over the course of four years, making sure to record the amount of insects and damage done to the trees. The results showed that out of 104 insect species, 38 were invasive species.
This research project provides really good information. It shows how fast invasive species can take over an environment and thrive. It also shows how any species of wildlife can be harmed not just animals. The research also showed the mortality rate of the trees planted on each site. Only 99 trees remained at the Beijing site from the 400 that were planted, and this only took three years. When this example is applied to real wildlife, it could mean the potential of having an extinction of the tree completely. It’s great to see research efforts put into effect and giving good information.
You’ve got a frightening topic. Invasive species are such a huge problem… and the insects! So 35% or so were invasive and it killed 75% of the trees in 3 years. That is scary. I agree, it is great to see studies happening around this- science drives policy, we hope. Did they mention anything about next steps- potential solutions?
Since it’s very hard to identify insects in their young stages (as larvae), sceintists are in the midsts of developing molecular databases to be able to tackle to the problem at an earlier stage.
Invasive species are a huge issue. I cannot believe they killed 75% of the trees in 3 years. Something really needs to be done about this. Did any of the articles talk about any possible solutions to this issue?
So far scientists are just trying to identify and target the actual insects that bring harm to so many forests worldwide.
I can’t believe so many of the trees were killed. I didn’t know invasive species were so capable of wiping out other species. What can we do?
We as humans can try to limit the careless introduction of some of these native species to other places. Forms of transportation such as trains, planes, and automobiles should be checked to make sure none of these native species are present.