IPlants: Invasive Plants and the Nursery Industry

How should we prevent exotic plants from becoming invasive pests?

Nonindigenous plants are currently invading our nation’s ecosystems at a rate of 700,000 ha/yr (Pimentel et al 1999). Most of these plants were introduced to the United State intentionally, as agricultural or horticultural introductions. Over half of all invasive plants were introduced as horticultural plants (Randall and Marinelli, 1996). At least 85% of all woody invasive plants were introduced as horticultural plants (Reichard 1997). The horticulture industry is responsible for biodiversity loss through the introduction of non-indigenous plants – how should it change its ways? This study looks at the perceptions of the nursery industry on invasive plants and attempts to discern how willing the industry is to participate in programs meant to reduce invasive plants’ spread. After sending out email surveys to 427 American Nursery and Landscape Association members, I received 77 responses from all over the country. Nurseries and landscapers are concerned about invasive plant regulations restricting their plant palette. They are more willing to support programs that test new plant introductions than those programs that restrict sales of plants already established within the country. The industry is also very willing to educate its customers about invasive plants and their alternatives. In addition, all growers and retailers should be required to use scientific names on their plant labels in order to allow correct identification of invasive plants by their customers. 
Undergraduate Senior Thesis in Environmental Studies, Spring 2000
IPlants: Invasive Plants and the Nursery Industry
Meredith Hall 
Brown University
Center for Environmental Studies