To effectively prioritize the management of invasive plants, it is necessary to reduce the risks posed by trade. This is particularly critical for the ornamental plant sector, which acts as a primary pathway for the introduction and distribution of non-native plant species. In this context, it is necessary to understand the perceptions of ornamental plant producers, who are the primary actors in the ornamental plant trade, about non-native plants, their impacts and risks. Using the Altınova district of Yalova province, Türkiye, we conducted a survey to explore the perceptions of 20 ornamental plant producers regarding non-native and invasive ornamental plant taxa. We also generated a list of ornamental plant taxa produced in the study area by using local sources referencing ornamental plants (such as producers’ catalogues). We found that of the 121 plants produced, 92 taxa were non-native, 23 were native and six were non-native hybrids, of which 31 taxa (11 taxa native and 20 taxa non-native to Türkiye) were found to be invasive elsewhere. Most of the plants produced were perennials (103 taxa). The vast majority of producers (70%) had heard the term “invasive plant” before. However, the concept of invasive plants is considered in the context of “plants other than for production purposes, i.e. weeds”. There is a lack of awareness among producers about the possible impacts caused by non-native taxa and their management status. We conclude that appropriate regulations should be made for the sale and use of non-native plants and awareness activities should be organized for all stakeholders and the public. Further research is required to identify, prioritize, and manage non-native ornamental plants and their potential impacts across all countries engaged in the ornamental plant trade to prevent future ornamental plant invasions.

Amur honeysuckle [Lonicera maackii (Rupr.) Herder] is an abundant invasive species throughout Kentucky and the surrounding region. It forms dense stands, outcompeting and displacing native species and adversely impacting the regeneration, succession, and biodiversity of deciduous forest communities. The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy of L. maackii removal alone relative to removal followed by restoration plantings to suppress reinvasion and facilitate forest understory native plant community recovery. In March 2019, a field experiment was conducted with the following treatments: (1) untreated control; (2) L. maackii removal with 0.023 kg ae L−1 glyphosate cut stump application (CH plots); and (3) same treatment as in 1, plus restoration plantings of wildrye grasses (Elymus spp.) and northern spicebush [Lindera benzoin (L.) Blume] (CHP plots). Lonicera maackii removal and cut stump glyphosate treatments effectively reduced L. maackii canopy cover, increased herbaceous cover, decreased bare ground, and increased species richness over time compared with untreated plots. However, we did not find any differences (P > 0.05) in L. maackii cover or other plant community variables between CH and CHP treatments over time. Thus, we found insufficient evidence that restoration plantings of Elymus spp. and L. benzoin suppressed L. maackii reinvasion compared with L. maackii removal alone. Spearman rank-correlation tests indicate L. maackii removal correlated with increased herbaceous cover (ρ = −0.75, P < 0.0001), lower bare ground (ρ = 0.714, P < 0.0001), and higher species richness (ρ = −0.693, P < 0.0001). Further studies of L. maackii removal plus restoration plantings are needed that test different species combinations and/or season of planting (i.e., spring vs. autumn) to determine the most effective restoration planting strategy to simultaneously suppress L. maackii reinvasion after removal and facilitate native plant community recovery in forest understories.

Neltuma juliflora (Sw.) Raf. (Fabaceae) is one of the most problematic invasive alien plant species in Ethiopia, posing serious threats to ecosystems and pastoral livelihoods. Despite its widespread invasion, limited evidence exists on how pastoral communities perceive its impacts, particularly in the Lower Omo Valley. In this study, we surveyed 154 households in Nyangatom District using semi-structured questionnaires and conducted four focus group discussions with communities in the Kibish cluster. Our findings indicate that 73.4% of households considered N. juliflora undesirable due to its suppression of grazing species, reduction of biodiversity, and restriction of livestock mobility. Pastoralists reported using several coping and control strategies, though most were limited to small-scale clearing around homesteads rather than broader rangeland management. Logistic regression analysis showed that education level, livestock ownership, and proximity to invaded areas significantly influenced perceptions of the invasion. Overall, N. juliflora has intensified socio-ecological vulnerability by degrading rangeland resources and affecting pastoral livelihoods. The results highlight the urgent need for feasible, locally adapted, and integrated management interventions.