Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
as ornamentals mainly for their aesthetic appeal or many other purposes
(Tab. 3).
Again, social impacts are driven by other factors such as the standards of
policy makers and current scientific knowledge. Techniques to assess the costs
and benefits of invasive species are evolving, but much remains to be done.
However, the clear environmental costs due to invasions remain uncertain and
are species dependent.
In many regions or countries government agencies or non-profit organiza-
tions have launched campaigns to raise awareness, but most of these cam-
paigns have not been able to change the behavior of those whose actions could
limit the impact of invasive species. Our approach should be not only to raise
awareness, but also to persuade both public and policy makers to act to find
solutions.
Impact on human health
Impact of a plant on human health can influence the desirability of a plant in
a landscape setting. Such an example is giant hogweed recently identified as
invasive species [28]. This species represents an increasing public health haz-
ard because of dermatitis and skin irritation. This is due to secondary metabo-
lites present in leaf or stem exudates of giant hogweed. Because of this health
concern, this species receives tremendous attention from the public, academ-
ics, naturalists, and other stakeholders. Many organizations have developed
special fact sheets, websites and other media events to understand and com-
bat its spread in its natural as well as in escaped habitats.
Current regulations
Role of the federal government
A number of US federal agencies have management responsibilities for weed
species, including invasive species. Some of the responsibilities include weed
regulation, research, and management. The US Department of Agriculture's
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) works to prevent the
introduction of foreign weeds as well as their establishment on private lands.
APHIS cooperates with state and local agencies as well as private landowners
and mangers to eradicate newly introduced weeds on private lands. APHIS
also is responsible for regulating importation of biocontrol agents. In response
to the economic and biological threat posed by invasive plants, 17 federal
agencies have been formed by the Federal Interagency Committee for the
Management of Noxious and Exotic Weeds (FICMNEW). The committee's
role is to facilitate the development of biologically sound techniques to man-
age invasive plants on federal and private lands.
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