The feasibility of some invasive weeds presence in Golestan province

Abstract:
Background and objective:
Invasive species are one of the most important weed management challenges and diagnosis of these plants in early stages can be very effective for their control. This diagnosis is not possible except by regular monitoring. The map preparation of spatial distribution of invasive species and their Geographic distribution range is necessary due to the development power and very high distribution of invasive plants as well as a wide range tolerance of these plants to different environmental conditions and it can be considered as the most important performance in integrated pest management.

Material and method:In order to identification of the susceptible areas for invasive weeds, such as Spurge (Euphorbia heterophylla L. and Euphorbia maculata L.), Morning glory (Ipomoea purpurea (L.) Roth), Wild melon (Cucumis melo L.) and Asian spiderflower (Cleome viscose L.), the ecological requirements (Minimum, optimum and maximum temperatures, EC, pH) of these plants were determined by using the available resources. In order to determine the range of studied environmental variables, used of a 10-year average of the weather data of the province. It should be noted that in this study, the May, June and July months were considered as the months in which seed germination of these plants were possible. Also, acidity and soil salinity determined by data of 505 points of agricultural land in Golestan province. Recalling the classified information layers was performed by GIS software (version 10). Finally, the possibility of the presence or absence of each the above plant species were spatially determined.

Results: The results of this research indicated that wide range of Golestan province were susceptible to invasion by species such as Cucumis melo L., Cleome viscosa L. and Euphorbia maculata L. with 790325, 772884 and 708968 ha-1, respectively. In terms of degree of importance, Euphorbia heterophylla L. was placed in second rank (susceptible areas: 583700 ha-1 and unsusceptible areas: 225025 ha-1). In this species temperature and salinity were the major limitation factor for distribution. There was not particular concern about wide distribution the species of introduced morning glory in this province. Because distribution maps indicated that there were no limitations regarding temperatures and EC for germination and establishment of this weed through the Golestan Province. But regarding pH, there is a major in increasing distribution extent in the province rank (susceptible areas: 9887 ha-1 and unsusceptible areas: 798838 ha-1).

Conclusion: Therefore, it is necessary that the first three species be considered as management and research priorities in the province and management should be directed toward measures to prevent them spread in the province and even other provinces.