Eradication and control of invasive alien plants in the M editerranean B asin: towards better coordination to enhance existing initiatives

The European and M editerranean P lant P rotection O rganization ( EPPO ), in the framework of its activities in the Mediterranean Basin, launched a questionnaire to gather information on eradication actions and control actions for invasive alien plants. Thirty‐four (34) eradication actions were reported, 16 occurring in S pain, 7 in I taly, 7 in F rance, 1 in P ortugal, 1 in M alta, and 2 on the southern rim of the M editerranean, with 1 in I srael and 1 in T unisia. Twenty‐two (22) species were targeted, and the habitats where such actions were undertaken most frequently were coastal dunes, sandy shores and aquatic ecosystems. Most of the species that have been the object of an eradication action were known invasive species recorded in the EPPO lists, such as A ilanthus altissima , B uddleia davidii , C arpobrotus spp., E ichhornia crassipes , L udwigia peploides , P ennisetum setaceum , P istia stratiotes , S olanum elaeagnifolium and S icyos angulatus . Other eradicated species have a limited distribution in the EPPO region and may represent emerging invasive plants, such as A mbrosia confertifolia , C ylindropuntia rosea , L eersia oryzoides , L eptochloa fusca subsp. uninervia and M arsilea drummondii . Control actions concerning 90 species were also reported. A large number of eradication actions, as well as management actions, are therefore happening in Mediterranean countries. At present countries appear to operate with complete autonomy, without consulting neighbouring countries or other stakeholders within the country. There is therefore a need for coordination of new eradication actions.