Examining the origins of plant invasiveness
while creating a genomics-proficient workforce

Invasive Species:
Ecological, Economic, and Health Threats

Invasive species have detrimental effects on ecosystems, commerce, agriculture, and human health worldwide. Of the 100 worst invasive species recognized by IUCN, 34 are plants. The U.S. Department of Agriculture currently recognizes 112 species as noxious weeds, and the U.S. spends over $36 million annually to prevent and mitigate invasive plants. Despite serious problems caused by invasives, the evolution and genetic traits of these organisms—and how they differ from native plants and benign nonnatives—are poorly understood due to a critical lack of genomic resources for most invasive plants.

Pairing Research and Outreach

Invasive species have detrimental effects on ecosystems, commerce, agriculture, and human health worldwide. Of the 100 worst invasive species recognized by IUCN, 34 are plants. The U.S. Department of Agriculture currently recognizes 112 species as noxious weeds, and the U.S. spends over $36 million annually to prevent and mitigate invasive plants. Despite serious problems caused by invasives, the evolution and genetic traits of these organisms—and how they differ from native plants and benign nonnatives—are poorly understood due to a critical lack of genomic resources for most invasive plants.