Emerging Invasive Weeds in Iran: Occurrence, Ecological Impacts, and Sustainable Management.

Area of Science:

• Ecology
• Agronomy
• Environmental Science

Background:

• Invasive weeds are a significant threat to global biodiversity, ecosystem stability, and agricultural productivity.
• In Iran, species like Boreava orientalis and Ambrosia psilostachya aggressively invade native ecosystems, disrupting ecological processes and impacting food security.
• A knowledge gap exists regarding the biology, ecology, and management of invasive weeds in understudied regions like Iran.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize current knowledge on major invasive weeds affecting Iranian agroecosystems.
• To focus on the ecological impacts of these invasive species.
• To highlight the urgent need for sustainable management strategies.

Main Methods:

• This review synthesizes existing literature on invasive weeds in Iran.
• It focuses on ecological impacts and management strategies.
• An integrated framework combining ecological, biological, and management perspectives is presented.

Main Results:

• Invasive species in Iran exhibit aggressive traits, outcompeting native flora and dominating habitats.
• Key invasive species include Boreava orientalis, Azolla spp., Ibicella lutea, Physalis divaricata, Picnomon acarna, Cynanchum acutum, Vicia hyrcanica, Eichhornia crassipes, and Ambrosia psilostachya.
• Understanding and managing invasiveness, especially in adaptable species, is crucial.

Conclusions:

• Effective management requires interdisciplinary collaboration, advanced technology, and community involvement.
• This review provides practical guidance for researchers, policymakers, and agricultural stakeholders.
• The findings serve as a model for managing invasive species in other vulnerable regions, supporting global efforts to safeguard biodiversity and enhance ecological resilience.