Invasive species
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Every year, new plant and animal species migrate to Switzerland, or are introduced in various ways from other continents. While some are harmless, others cause considerable damage. We help to foster an understanding of the biology of these problematic species, and to prevent or curb their spread.
Alongside habitat destruction, invasive species such as the tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima), the Asian longhorn beetle and the ash dieback pathogen are currently among the most serious threats to species diversity worldwide. We study invasive organisms and help the authorities to develop management strategies. Since the number of thermophilic invasive species spreading throughout southern Switzerland is particularly high, this is a focus of our research at our site in Cadenazzo (Ticino). At the "Cadenazzo Research Campus", we work with Agroscope, Agridea and the Swiss Federal Plant Protection Service (SPPS) in the area of invasive species south of the Alps.
Improved protection thanks to Plant Protection Laboratory
The invasive species include many types of insects, fungi, nematodes, bacteria and viruses which trigger plant diseases in forests and ornamental trees and shrubs. We diagnose, study and monitor these in our research unit "Forest health and biotic interactions" and look for biological control measures.
The Plant Protection Laboratory opened in 2014 on the WSL site, allowing researchers to work with alien organisms. Here we can diagnose and examine suspected cases of quarantine diseases and pests under strict safety conditions.
Identifying pest infestations as early as possible
"Swiss Forest Protection" runs a monitoring system in order to protect our forests from native and non-native forest pests and diseases. This consists of a dense network of observers. Swiss Forest Protection advises forest owners and rangers, helps to identify organisms, regularly conducts surveys with forestry services and organises training courses.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Publications
Mit der Zunahme des weltweiten Handels steigt auch die Anzahl der mitverschleppten Pilzarten (Neomyceten) stark an. Deshalb sollte die Einschleppung weiterer Neomyceten in die Schweiz verhindert werden, was eine verstärkte Kontrolle des Pflanzenhandels bedingt.
Merkblatt für die Praxis 69
2021
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Mit diesen gebietsfremden invasiven Arten umzugehen, ist mangels Erfahrung oft mit Unsicherheiten verbunden. Deshalb sind Prävention und Früherkennung wichtig, um ihre Ausbreitung zu verhindern.
Merkblatt für die Praxis 66
2020
Biurrun, I.; Pielech, R.; Dembicz, I.; Gillet, F.; Kozub, Ł.; Marcenò, C.; Reitalu, T.; Van Meerbeek, K.; Guarino, R.; Chytrý, M.; Boch, S.; Bergamini, A.; Ecker, K.; Dengler, J., 2021: Benchmarking plant diversity of Palaearctic grasslands and other open habitats. Journal of Vegetation Science, 32, 4: e13050 (21 pp.). doi: 10.1111/jvs.13050
Axmanová, I.; Kalusová, V.; Danihelka, J.; Dengler, J.; Pergl, J.; Pyšek, P.; Večeřa, M.; Attorre, F.; Biurrun, I.; Boch, S.; Conradi, T.; Gavilán, R.G.; Jiménez‐Alfaro, B.; Knollová, I.; Kuzemko, A.; Lenoir, J.; Leostrin, A.; Medvecká, J.; Moeslund, J.E.; ... Chytrý, M., 2021: Neophyte invasions in European grasslands. Journal of Vegetation Science, 32, 2: e12994 (17 pp.). doi: 10.1111/jvs.12994
Boch, S.; Martins, A.; Sim-Sim, M.; Bergamini, A., 2021: Effects of elevation and disturbances on the associations between the diversities of bryophyte and macrolichen functional-taxonomic groups on Madeira Island. Bryologist, 124, 2: 178-190. doi: 10.1639/0007-2745-124.2.178
Dembicz, I.; Velev, N.; Boch, S.; Janišová, M.; Palpurina, S.; Pedashenko, H.; Vassilev, K.; Dengler, J., 2021: Drivers of plant diversity in Bulgarian dry grasslands vary across spatial scales and functional-taxonomic groups. Journal of Vegetation Science, 32, 1: e12935 (14 pp.). doi: 10.1111/jvs.12935
Wermelinger, B.; Schneider Mathis, D.; Knížek, M.; Forster, B., 2020: Tracking the spread of the northern bark beetle (Ips duplicatus [Sahlb.]) in Europe and first records from Switzerland and Liechtenstein. Alpine Entomology, 4: 179-184. doi: 10.3897/alpento.4.53808
Vassilev, K.; Pedashenko, H.; Alexandrova, A.; Tashev, A.; Ganeva, A.; Gavrilova, A.; Macanović, A.; Assenov, A.; Vitkova, A.; Genova, B.; Grigorov, B.; Gussev, C.; Mašić, E.; Filipova, E.; Gecheva, G.; Aneva, I.; Knolová, I.; Nikolov, I.; Georgiev, G.; ... Vulchev, V., 2020: Balkan Vegetation Database (BVD) - updated information and current status. Vegetation Classification and Survey, 1: 151-153. doi: 10.3897/VCS/2020/61348
Chytrý, M.; Tichý, L.; Hennekens, S.M.; Knollová, I.; Janssen, J.A.M.; Rodwell, J.S.; Peterka, T.; Marcenò, C.; Landucci, F.; Danihelka, J.; Boch, S.; Graf, U.; Schaminée, J.H.J., 2020: EUNIS Habitat Classification: expert system, characteristic species combinations and distribution maps of European habitats. Applied Vegetation Science, 23, 4: 648-675. doi: 10.1111/avsc.12519
Vicente, J.R.; Kueffer, C.; Richardson, D.M.; Vaz, A.S.; Cabral, J.A.; Hui, C.; Araújo, M.B.; Kühn, I.; Kull, C.A.; Verburg, P.H.; Marchante, E.; Honrado, J.P., 2019: Different environmental drivers of alien tree invasion affect different life-stages and operate at different spatial scales. Forest Ecology and Management, 433: 263-275. doi: 10.1016/j.foreco.2018.10.065
Junge, X.; Hunziker, M.; Bauer, N.; Arnberger, A.; Olschewski, R., 2019: Invasive alien species in Switzerland: awareness and preferences of experts and the public. Environmental Management, 63, 1: 80-93. doi: 10.1007/s00267-018-1115-5
Wunder, J.; Knüsel, S.; Dorren, L.; Schwarz, M.; Bourrier, F.; Conedera, M., 2018: Götterbaum und Paulownie: die «neuen Wilden» im Schweizer Wald?. Schweizerische Zeitschrift für Forstwesen, 169, 2: 69-76. doi: 10.3188/szf.2018.0069
Massot, M.; Desprez-Loustau, M.; Toïgo, M.; Fort, T.; Aday Kaya, A.G.; Boberg, J.; Braun, U.; Capdevielle, X.; Cech, T.; Chandelier, A.; Christova, P.; Corcobado, T.; Dogmus, T.; Dutech, C.; Fabreguettes, O.; Faivre d'Arcier, J.; Gross, A.; Horta Jung, M.; Iturritxa, E.; ... Tack, A.JM., 2018: From leaf to continent: the multi-scale distribution of an invasive cryptic pathogen complex on oak. Fungal Ecology, 36: 39-50. doi: 10.1016/j.funeco.2018.08.001
Visconti, P.; Elias, V.; Sousa Pinto, I.; Fischer, M.; Ali-Zade, V.; Báldi, A.; Brucet, S.; Bukvareva, E.; Byrne, K.; Caplat, P.; Boch, S.; Zazanashvili, N., 2018: Status, trends and future dynamics of biodiversity and ecosystems underpinning nature's contributions to people. In: Rounsevell, M.; Fischer, M.; Torre-Marin Rando, A.; Mader, A. (eds), 2018: The IPBES regional assessment report on biodiversity and ecosystem services for Europe and Central Asia. Bonn, Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES). 187-383.
Schoebel, C.N.; Prospero, S.; Gross, A.; Rigling, D., 2018: Detection of a conspecific mycovirus in two closely related native and introduced fungal hosts and evidence for interspecific virus transmission. Viruses, 10, 11: 628 (13 pp.). doi: 10.3390/v10110628
Fragnière, Y.; Forster, B.; Hölling, D.; Wermelinger, B.; Bacher, S., 2018: A local risk map using field observations of the Asian longhorned beetle to optimize monitoring activities. Journal of Applied Entomology, 142: 578-588. doi: 10.1111/jen.12491
Schoebel, C.N.; Botella, L.; Lygis, V.; Rigling, D., 2017: Population genetic analysis of a parasitic mycovirus to infer the invasion history of its fungal host. Molecular Ecology, 26, 9: 2482-2497. doi: 10.1111/mec.14048
Knüsel, S.; De Boni, A.; Conedera, M.; Schleppi, P.; Thormann, J.; Frehner, M.; Wunder, J., 2017: Shade tolerance of Ailanthus altissima revisited: novel insights from southern Switzerland. Biological Invasions, 19, 2: 455-461. doi: 10.1007/s10530-016-1301-4
Gallien, L.; Altermatt, F.; Wiemers, M.; Schweiger, O.; Zimmermann, N.E., 2017: Invasive plants threaten the least mobile butterflies in Switzerland. Diversity and Distributions, 23, 2: 185-195. doi: 10.1111/ddi.12513
Trapiello, E.; Schoebel, C.N.; Rigling, D., 2017: Fungal community in symptomatic ash leaves in Spain. Baltic Forestry, 23, 1: 68-73.
Prospero, S.; Cleary, M., 2017: Effects of host variability on the spread of invasive forest diseases. Forests, 8, 3: 80 (21 pp.). doi: 10.3390/f8030080
Lygis, V.; Prospero, S.; Burokiene, D.; Schoebel, C.N.; Marciulyniene, D.; Norkute, G.; Rigling, D., 2017: Virulence of the invasive ash pathogen Hymenoscyphus fraxineus in old and recently established populations. Plant Pathology, 66, 5: 783-791. doi: 10.1111/ppa.12635
Gross, A.; Beenken, L.; Dubach, V.; Queloz, V.; Tanaka, K.; Hashimoto, A.; Holdenrieder, O., 2017: Pseudodidymella fagi and Petrakia deviata: two closely related tree pathogens new to central Europe. Forest Pathology, 47, 5: e12351 (15 pp.). doi: 10.1111/efp.12351
Wunder, J.; Knüsel, S.; Gurtner, D.; Conedera, M., 2016: The spread of tree of heaven in Switzerland. In: Krumm, F.; Vítková, L. (eds), 2016: Introduced tree species in European forests: opportunities and challenges. sine loco, European Forest Institute. 374-385.
Rigling, A.; Gessler, A.; Feichtinger, L.; Queloz, V.; Wohlgemuth, T., 2016: Introduced or native tree species to maintain forest ecosystem services in a hotter and drier future?. In: Krumm, F.; Vítková, L. (eds), 2016: Introduced tree species in European forests: opportunities and challenges. Freiburg, European Forest Institute. 236-246.
Brang, P.; Pluess, A.R.; Bürgi, A.; Born, J., 2016: Potentiel des essences exotiques dans le contexte de l'adaptation aux changements climatiques. In: Pluess, A.R.; Augustin, S.; Brang, P. (eds), 2016: Forêts et changements climatiques. Éléments pour des stratégies d'adaptation. Berne, Haupt. 391-410.
Brang, P.; Pluess, A.R.; Bürgi, A.; Born, J., 2016: Potenzial von Gastbaumarten bei der Anpassung an den Klimawandel. In: Pluess, A.R.; Augustin, S.; Brang, P. (eds), 2016: Wald im Klimawandel. Grundlagen für Adaptationsstrategien. Bern, Haupt. 385-404.
Bollmann, K.; Holderegger, R., 2016: Research gaps for a reliable assessment of the effects of Douglas fir on forest biodiversity. In: Krumm, F.; Vítková, L. (eds), 2016: Introduced tree species in European forests: opportunities and challenges. sine loco, European Forest Institute. 284-285.
Finerty, G.E.; De Bello, F.; Bílá, K.; Berg, M.P.; Dias, A.T.C.; Pezzatti, G.B.; Moretti, M., 2016: Exotic or not, leaf trait dissimilarity modulates the effect of dominant species on mixed litter decomposition. Journal of Ecology, 104, 5: 1400-1409. doi: 10.1111/1365-2745.12602
Bachofen, C.; Wohlgemuth, T.; Ghazoul, J.; Moser, B., 2016: Cold temperature extremes during spring do not limit the range shift of Mediterranean pines into regions with intermittent frost. Functional Ecology, 30, 6: 856-865. doi: 10.1111/1365-2435.12581
Meyer, J.B.; Brunner, M.; Rigling, D., 2016: First report of Pseudomonas syringae pv. aesculi on horse chestnut in Switzerland. New Disease Reports, 33: 19. doi: 10.5197/j.2044-0588.2016.033.019
Prospero, S.; Rigling, D., 2016: Using molecular markers to assess the establishment and spread of a mycovirus applied as a biological control agent against chestnut blight. BioControl, 61, 3: 313-323. doi: 10.1007/s10526-015-9713-0
Jung, T.; Orlikowski, L.; Henricot, B.; Abad-Campos, P.; Aday, A.G.; Aguín Casal, O.; Bakonyi, J.; Cacciola, S.O.; Cech, T.; Chavarriaga, D.; Prospero, S.; Rigling, D.; Peréz-Sierra, A., 2016: Widespread Phytophthora infestations in European nurseries put forest, semi-natural and horticultural ecosystems at high risk of Phytophthora diseases. Forest Pathology, 46, 2: 134-163. doi: 10.1111/efp.12239
Wermelinger, B.; Forster, B., 2015: First record of the scale insect Kermes vermilio (Planchon, 1864) (Hemiptera, Coccoidea) in Switzerland. Mitteilungen der Schweizerischen Entomologischen Gesellschaft, 88: 361-365. doi: 10.5169/seals-583858
Burokiene, D.; Prospero, S.; Jung, E.; Marciulyniene, D.; Moosbrugger, K.; Norkute, G.; Rigling, D.; Lygis, V.; Schoebel, C.N., 2015: Genetic population structure of the invasive ash dieback pathogen Hymenoscyphus fraxineus in its expanding range. Biological Invasions, 17, 9: 2743-2756. doi: 10.1007/s10530-015-0911-6
Tschopp, T.; Holderegger, R.; Bollmann, K., 2015: Auswirkungen der Douglasie auf die Waldbiodiversität. Schweizerische Zeitschrift für Forstwesen, 166, 1: 9-15. doi: 10.3188/szf.2015.0009
Richner, N.; Holderegger, R.; Linder, H.P.; Walter, T., 2015: Reviewing change in the arable flora of Europe: a meta-analysis. Weed Research, 55, 1: 1-13. doi: 10.1111/wre.12123
Conedera, M.; Nobis, M.; Wunder, J., 2014: Ailanto: ospite indesiderato in bosco?. Sherwood, 15-18.
Schoebel, C.N.; Zoller, S.; Rigling, D., 2014: Detection and genetic characterisation of a novel mycovirus in Hymenoscyphus fraxineus, the causal agent of ash dieback. Infection, Genetics and Evolution, 28: 78-86. doi: 10.1016/j.meegid.2014.09.001
Snell, R.S.; Huth, A.; Nabel, J.E.M.S.; Bocedi, G.; Travis, J.M.J.; Gravel, D.; Bugmann, H.; Gutiérrez, A.G.; Hickler, T.; Higgins, S.I.; Reineking, B.; Scherstjanoi, M.; Zurbriggen, N.; Lischke, H., 2014: Using dynamic vegetation models to simulate plant range shifts. Ecography, 37, 12: 1184-1197. doi: 10.1111/ecog.00580
Schoebel, C.N.; Stewart, J.; Gruenwald, N.J.; Rigling, D.; Prospero, S., 2014: Population history and pathways of spread of the plant pathogen Phytophthora plurivora. PLoS One, 9, 1: e85368 (11 pp.). doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0085368
Schoebel, C.N.; Brodbeck, S.; Buehler, D.; Cornejo, C.; Gajurel, J.; Hartikainen, H.; Keller, D.; Leys, M.; Říčanová, Š.; Segelbacher, G.; Werth, S.; Csencsics, D., 2013: Lessons learned from microsatellite development for nonmodel organisms using 454 pyrosequencing. Journal of Evolutionary Biology, 26, 3: 600-611. doi: 10.1111/jeb.12077
Haag, S.; Nobis, M.P.; Krüsi, B.O., 2013: Profitieren invasive Neophyten von Flussrevitalisierungen? Untersuchungen an 16 Flüssen der Schweiz. Naturschutz und Landschaftsplanung, 45, 12: 357-364.
Seabloom, E.W.; Borer, E.T.; Buckley, Y.; Cleland, E.E.; Davies, K.; Firn, J.; Harpole, W.S.; Hautier, Y.; Lind, E.; Macdougall, A.; Risch, A.C.; Schuetz, M.; Yang, L., 2013: Predicting invasion in grassland ecosystems: is exotic dominance the real embarrassment of richness?. Global Change Biology, 19, 12: 3677-3687. doi: 10.1111/gcb.12370
Schoebel, C.N.; Jung, E.; Prospero, S., 2013: Development of new polymorphic microsatellite markers for three closely related plant-pathogenic Phytophthora species using 454-pyrosequencing and their potential application. Phytopathology, 103, 10: 1020-1027. doi: 10.1094/PHYTO-01-13-0026-R
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Schwerpunkt aus dem WSL-Magazin Diagonal, 2/14: Wirkung und Massnahmen: Welche Gefahren gehen von invasiven Arten aus und was unternehmen wir dagegen?