Monographs on invasive plants in Europe N° 4: Arundo donax L.

ABSTRACT

Arundo donax L. (Poaceae) is considered to be one of the worst invasive plants in the world, and here, we present a synthesis of all aspects of its biology, ecology and management that are relevant to understanding its invasive behaviour. This report presents information on the taxonomy, morphology, distribution, history of introduction and spread, ecology, responses to abiotic and biotic factors, biology, negative impacts, management and uses within the framework of a series of Botany Letters on Monographs on invasive plants in Europe. Arundo donax (giant reed) originated in subtropical Asia and is invasive in other warm regions worldwide, especially in degraded riparian areas. Introduced for use in agriculture, erosion control and construction in the Mediterranean European region since ancient times, it has become naturalized in several freshwater habitats and in disturbed areas. In its introduced range, A. donax shows strong genetic uniformity and no seed production. This situation is reversed in Asia, where this taxon is fertile and morphologically and genetically polymorphic. This perennial grass combines rhizomatous clonal growth with a tolerance to a wide variety of ecological conditions, such as high salinity levels and long droughts. This tall reed can increase the risk of fire, alter the natural drainage of channels and invade very sensitive habitats, posing a serious threat to riparian habitats and freshwater ecosystems. Effective methods to control A. donax are tarps on a cleared giant reed field to completely cover the affected zone, rhizome removal using a modified backhoe bucket adapted to separate soil from the rhizomes, and herbicide application on leaves. The combined technique of herbicide treatment plus stem-cutting can be included in management programmes, and this technique needs to be monitored over the long term to assess its success and to ensure native species colonization and ecosystem recovery. Regarding biological control, A. donax is host to different insect species that have been released to control it in parts of its non-native range (North America) with some success. However, these different methods of control should continue to be studied, evaluating the risks posed to the environment and the control level achieved. In this context, scientific, political and administrative efforts as well as environmental education are effective assets to address the management of this invasive species.

KEYWORDS:

• Biology
• ecophysiology
• ecological interactions
• giant reed
• genetic diversity
• invasive species
• invasion history
• management
• negative impacts
• Poaceae
• reproductive biology
• uses

Acknowledgments

The authors wish to thank anonymous reviewers and to Régine Verlaque for SEM figures.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Jesús Jiménez-Ruiz

Jesús Jiménez-Ruiz contributed to the sections of ecology and biology (phenology and physiology). He also coordinated the team during writing the manuscript and reviewed the final draft.

Laurent Hardion

Laurent Hardion contributed to the sections taxonomy, distribution and status, reproductive biology and genetic diversity. 

Juan Pablo Del Monte

Juan Pablo Del Monte is contributed to the sections impacts and uses. 

Bruno Vila

Bruno Vila contributed to the sections taxonomy, distribution and status, reproductive biology and genetic diversity.

M. Inés Santín-Montanyá

Mª Inés Santín-Montanyá contributed to the sections of management and costs analysis of management.