Native parasitic plants: Biological control for plant invasions?

© 2020 International Association for Vegetation Science Plant invasions cause biodiversity loss and degradation in ecosystems worldwide. The invasive species involved may be introduced, or native invaders, and controlling them is a major global challenge. Here, we highlight an emerging role for native parasitic plants in suppressing invasive species, thus aiding in restoration of affected habitats. Compelling empirical evidence is provided by three study systems located in Central Europe, southern Australia and eastern China. Further cases of parasitism of invasive plants have been recorded across five continents. We propose including the interactions between parasitic and invasive plants into the theoretical framework of the biotic resistance hypothesis concerning generalist interactions between invaders and native biota. Among parasitic plants, numerous root hemiparasites, mistletoes and parasitic vines show low host specificity and exert substantial negative effects on their hosts. These parasitic plants may interfere with key traits of invaders such as symbiotic nitrogen fixation or clonal propagation which provide them with competitive advantage over native species. We contend that some parasitic plants may present a cost-effective environmentally sustainable component of invasion management schemes. Therefore, we encourage exploration of this potential and the development of methods for practical applications in ecological restoration and nature conservation

Detection of historical land cover changes with the use of fuzzy logic

Opracowanie dotyczy problematyki propagacji błędów z danych źródłowych w procesie porównania archiwalnych map topograficznych. Celem pracy była poprawa skuteczności detekcji historycznych zmian pokrycia terenu. Wykorzystanie potencjału zbiorów rozmytych, w powiązaniu z prostą algebrę map pozwoliło na rozróżnienie zmian pokrycia terenu cechujących się wysokim prawdopodobieństwem zaistnienia od artefaktów będących efektem przesunięć, zniekształceń lub nieostrej klasyfikacji. Walidację wyników przeprowadzono przy użyciu wskaźników podobieństwa Kappa. Omówiono zalety i ograniczenia zastosowanej procedury oraz wskazano kierunki dalszych badań.This paper regards a problem of error propagation when comparing archival topographic maps. The study aimed at improving the quantitative detection of historical land cover changes. By linking a fuzzy reasoning and a simple map algebra, the uncertainty stemming from dissimilar quality of the archival maps was reduced, which allowed to distinguish between the land cover changes of a high probability and the artefacts stemming from distortions and inaccuracies of the source data. The results were validated with the use of Kappa statistics. At last, the pros and limitations of the presented procedure were discussed and the further research needs specified