Ailanthus Altissima
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Bulletin OEPP/EPPO Bulletin (2020) 50 (1), 148–155 ISSN 0250-8052. DOI: 10.1111/epp.12621 European and Mediterranean Plant Protection Organization Organisation Europe´enne et Me´diterrane´enne pour la Protection des Plantes PM 9/29 (1) National Regulatory Control Systems PM 9/29 (1) Ailanthus altissima Specific scope Specific approval and amendment This Standard describes the control procedures aiming to First approved in 2019–09. monitor, contain and eradicate Ailanthus altissima. species has been widely planted for ornamental and many 1. Introduction other uses (e.g. forestry and erosion control; Kowarik & Further information on the biology, distribution and eco- S€aumel, 2007) throughout the region and has become inva- nomic importance of Ailanthus altissima can be found in sive in many countries with the exception of the Nordic EPPO (2018) and CABI (2018). countries and Russia (EPPO, 2018). Ailanthus altissima can Ailanthus altissima (Mill.) Swingle (Simaroubaceae) is a have negative impacts on native biodiversity through direct broadleaved perennial early successional tree that is native competition and through allelopathic effects (Kowarik & to Asia (China and Vietnam). The species can grow up to S€aumel, 2007). The species can have negative impacts on 30 m in height and has alternately arranged compound ecosystem services as well as negative economic impacts leaves (Kowarik & S€aumel, 2007). The species is mainly by affecting infrastructure (Kowarik & S€aumel, 2007; Con- dioecious (male and female flowers occurring on different stan-Nava et al., 2014). The species can have human health trees). In the EPPO region flowering generally occurs dur- implications as contact with the leaves can cause severe ing July and August (Holec et al., 2014). Natural spread is dermatitis and the pollen can cause allergic reactions (Ben- via the production of winged fruits, which are wind dis- nett et al., 2013). persed up to 120 m from the parent plant (Kowarik & Ailanthus altissima has been included on the EPPO List S€aumel, 2007). The fruits can also become incorporated of Invasive Alien Plants since 2004 (EPPO, 2018). The spe- into water bodies and spread over long distances (Kowarik cies is regulated in a number of EPPO countries. In Poland, &S€aumel, 2006, 2007, 2008; S€aumel & Kowarik, 2010). Portugal and Spain, it is a Regulated Invasive Alien Plant Recent research has shown that A. altissima seeds can whereas in Russia and Ukraine, it is a Regulated Non-Quar- remain viable for more than 5 years when buried at depths antine Pest. In Belgium, Germany and Switzerland (Black of 10 cm (Rebbeck & Jolliff, 2018). Clonal expansion List), the species has been included in the list of Invasive through root sprouting can occur spontaneously or be initi- Alien Plants (EPPO, 2018). ated by disturbance and is effective for local-scale spread Ailanthus altissima is more restricted to urban habitats in and colonization (Kowarik & S€aumel, 2007). The species temperate climates but it is also frequent also in rural areas can regenerate from root fragments (Kowarik & S€aumel, in meridional and Mediterranean climates. Ailanthus 2007). altissima is commonly found in urban areas, particularly on Ailanthus altissima has been introduced as an ornamental disturbed sites such as waste land and transportation net- species to many countries/regions of the world, including works, e.g. railway embankments and roadsides (Kowarik & Africa (South Africa), East Asia (India, Pakistan and S€aumel, 2007; Constan-Nava, 2012; Follak et al., 2018). The Japan), Central Asia (Iran, Israel and Turkey), Oceania species also is known to invade archaeological sites within (Australia and New Zealand), North America (Canada, the EPPO region (Celesti-Grapow & Blasi, 2004; Vidotto Mexico and the USA) and South America (Argentina and et al., 2015). The species has been reported to spread in ara- Chile). In the USA, the species is widespread throughout ble land, including abandoned land throughout the EPPO almost all States. Ailanthus altissima was introduced into region, usually along hedgerows (Fotiadis et al., 2011). In the EPPO region as early as the 1740s (Hu, 1979). The addition, the species has been recorded in perennial cropping 148 ª 2019 OEPP/EPPO, EPPO Bulletin 50, 148–155 PM 9/29 (1) Ailanthus altissima 149 systems (e.g. vineyards, olives groves and almonds groves; forests, urban planning departments, ministries in charge of Nestorovic & Jovanovic, 2003). In the southern and south- transport, water management, etc.), as well as with other west France, A. altissima is increasingly found in vineyards. interested bodies (associations) should be established. It seems very difficult to control, particularly along the grapevine rows where mechanical control possibilities are 2. Monitoring of Ailanthus altissima limited (to avoid damaging the grapevine). Additionally, in the case of organic vineyards, herbicides are not allowed. It Staff of organizations in charge of the monitoring of the can also invade (semi-)natural habitats including pine, oak species should be trained to recognize the plant at all stages and riparian forests (Kowarik, 1983; Lepart & Debussche, in its lifecycle (including distinguishing male and female 1991; Kowarik & S€aumel, 2007; Constan-Nava, 2012), plants), even when present as small populations. This may scrubland, and costal dunes (Ampe & Langohr, 2003; Cic- include staff of NPPOs, nature conservation managers as carelli et al., 2012). Its presence in (semi-)natural habitats is well as botanists, agronomists, farmers and forest managers mostly related to natural or human disturbance (e.g. trans- etc. As this plant has the potential to grow in a range of portation networks and forest clearings). habitats, citizen science projects may be implemented to Ailanthus altissima can grow in poor soils and is resistant encourage landholders and other citizens to report sightings to disturbed or stressed habitats. The species is also tolerant of A. altissima. to salt, which is one reason the species can persist along Regular surveys (according to the ISPM 6 Surveillance, roadsides where salt is used in wintertime. The species tol- FAO, 2018) are necessary to determine the geographical erates a broad amplitude of climatic conditions, humidity, distribution of the plant and its prevalence. Monitoring light and moisture levels. It is highly tolerant of poor air should concentrate on areas that are climatically suitable quality (pollution) in urban areas but is sensitive to ozone. and most vulnerable to colonization (riparian systems, open Ailanthus altissima is adapted to drought stress due to its habitat complexes, mesic roadsides, transport corridors and extensive root system and the water-saving strategies of the forests; see above for a more comprehensive list of habi- foliage (Constan-Nava et al., 2010). The species is mostly tats). classified as intolerant of shade (e.g. Kowarik, 1995; Usage of photographs (both aerial and from the ground) Kowarik & S€aumel, 2007). However, a recent study shows and the use of drone technology can assist in surveillance a higher shade tolerance, in particular of juvenile plants (Rebbeck et al., 2015). (Knusel€ et al., 2017). The species is sensitive to frost in the early life stage (Kowarik & S€aumel, 2007). 3. Eradication of Ailanthus altissima Pathways for entry into, and spread within, the EPPO region include horticulture, forestry and seed contaminants Any eradication programme for A. altissima in the case of of trade and soil movement (Pergl, 2017). The discarding recently detected populations (including an incursion) is of A. altissima garden waste can also facilitate the spread based on the delimitation of the infested area within the of the species within the region (Brundu, 2017). country and the application of measures to both eradicate EPPO member countries at risk are advised to prepare and prevent further spread of the pest. The feasibility of monitoring activities and a contingency plan for the eradi- eradication depends on the size of the area infested, the cation and containment of this pest. habitat type, accessibility of the habitat and environmental/ This Standard presents the basis of a national regulatory legal restrictions invaded (it may be more difficult to eradi- control system for the monitoring, eradication and contain- cate A. altissima along riverbanks and in closed wooded ment of A. altissima and describes: habitats), the connectivity of individual stems within the • elements of the monitoring programme that should be population, the density of the population and accessibility conducted to detect a new infestation or to delimit an of the site, the probability of re-invasion, and the resources infested area. available. Importantly, repeated management measures are • measures aiming to eradicate recently detected popula- required to eradicate populations, with all individuals trea- tions (including an incursion). ted simultaneously. For any eradication programme to be • containment measures to prevent further spread in a coun- successful in the long term, habitat restoration is an essen- try or to neighbouring countries in areas where the pest is tial component of the programme. present and eradication is no longer considered feasible. Measures are described in Appendix 1. Regional cooperation is important, and it is recom- mended that countries should communicate with their 4. Containment of Ailanthus altissima neighbours to exchange views on the best programme to implement in order to achieve the