This study reviews the utilization of alien plant invaders in Nigeria, with a view to recommending these plants to Nigerians considering their utilization potential. The overall aim of this research project is reflected in the following research questions: How does educational awareness have impact on the utilization of plant invaders? What was the utilization of alien plants invasions? How does climate change and variability aid the invasion of alien species? How do alien plant invaders affect the economic, recreational and environmental uses?
Invasive alien species have been introduced to Nigeria from different parts of the world both intentionally and unintentionally and they are affecting indigenous plants and animal communities. The intentional spread has been a result of ongoing and increasing human redistribution of species to support agriculture, forestry, mariculture, horticulture and recreation. This supplies a continuous pool of species from which invasive aliens are recruited.
The invasive alien species were also introduced as commercial plants or ornamental garden plants. Invasions also occurred countrywide as a result of seed introductions, of tree and shrub clearing for pasture and grazing infestations. The unintentional introductions of IAPs include disease organisms, agricultural weeds and insect pests. However, they were broughtwithout their natural enemies, which results in these plants reproducing copiously.
Table of Contents
CHAPTER ONE:
Introduction:
Background to the Study:
Statement of the Problem:
Purpose of the Study:
Significance of the Study:
Description of the Study Area:
CHAPTER TWO
Literature Review:
Range and Scale of Impacts:
Pathways for Introduction and Spread:
Removal or Eradication of Invasive Plants:
Factors Conferring Invasiveness:
Geographical Range and Impact of the Problem in Nigeria:
Reproduction of the Alien Plant Invader:
Environmental Problem caused by Alien Plant Invader:
Control Measures:
Potential Utilization of Alien Plant Invader:
The educational Awareness:
Impact of biodiversity on Plant Invaders:
Summary of Related Literature reviewed:
CHAPTER THREE
Control Methods:
Eradication by Utilization:
CHAPTER FOUR
Utilization potentials of selected Invasive Species in Nigeria:
CHAPTER FIVE
Discussion
Conclusion:
Objectives and Topics
This research aims to investigate the educational awareness regarding the utilization of alien plant invaders in Nigeria. It seeks to assess how these invasive species affect economic, recreational, and environmental sectors, while exploring the potential for converting invasive plant biomass into valuable resources for sustainable development and poverty alleviation.
- Ecological impact of invasive alien plant species on Nigerian biodiversity.
- Methods for control and eradication of invasive vegetation (mechanical, chemical, and biological).
- Economic potential and "waste-to-wealth" conversion of invasive plant biomass.
- Educational strategies for managing invasive species.
- Impact of climate change on the spread and management of alien invaders.
Extract from the Book
Background to the Study
Various species of alien plants have been brought into Nigeria, either deliberately as commercial plants or accidentally through seed pollution (Holmes et al., 2008; Vosse et al., 2008; DEA, 2009; Strydom and King, 2009). The DEA (2009) further states that without adequate control and through seed distribution by wind and birds, plant growth had spread to areas where they are causing serious and negative effects. With no natural enemies present in their new environment many become invading and spread aggressively. Seventy percent of invading alien plants in Nigeria came from Australia and South America (Poona, 2008). The black wattle (Acacia mearns ii), Silver water (A. dialbata), Blackwood (A melanoxylon), bluegum (Eucalyptus sp), the notorious alien plant invader (Eihhornia crassipes), the water milfoil or parrot’s feather (Myriophyllum aquaticum) and pines (mostly Pinus Pinaster) had, according to van Wilgen et al. (1997) the largest negative impact on water usability and availability.
Global research on the effects of plant invasions by Richardson and van Wilgen (2004) suggest that most damaging species transform ecosystems by using excessive amounts of resources (notably nitrogen, light, oxygen and water) by adding resources (notably nitrogen), by stabilising sand movement and/or promoting erosion, by accumulating or redistributing salt. Invasive plants have also invaded river banks, affecting the indigenous riparian trees, and thereby reducing the flow of water. The leaves of riparian trees, which are the natural food for the aquatic organisms, are also replaced by the less suitable leaves of the alien trees. The accumulation of leaves of invasive alien plants on river beds reduces water levels causing fish deaths and give rise to algal blooms and other poor water quality impacts. These also have impact on the recreational value of the rivers and lakes (van Wilgen et al., 1997).
Summary of Chapters
CHAPTER ONE: Provides an overview of the introduction of alien plant species in Nigeria, the research problem, objectives, and a description of the study area.
CHAPTER TWO: Reviews existing literature regarding the concept of invasive species, their environmental and economic impacts, and current control or utilization strategies.
CHAPTER THREE: Examines specific control methods, including mechanical and chemical interventions, and the concept of eradication through the economic utilization of biomass.
CHAPTER FOUR: Details the potential uses of selected invasive species found in Nigeria, such as Typha grass and Water hyacinth, for energy, medicine, and industrial applications.
CHAPTER FIVE: Discusses the transition from total destruction of invasive species toward socio-economic utilization and provides concluding recommendations for government policy.
Keywords
Alien plant invaders, Nigeria, invasive species, biodiversity, water hyacinth, economic utilization, biological control, environmental impact, sustainable development, phytoremediation, biomass, eradication, ecosystem services, Typha grass, waste-to-wealth.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research?
The research examines the educational awareness and the utilization potential of alien plant invaders in Nigeria, moving beyond viewing them solely as threats to exploring them as potential economic resources.
What are the primary themes discussed?
The main themes include the ecological impacts of invasive plants, methods for their control, the economic potential of their biomass, and the role of education in managing these species.
What is the ultimate objective of the study?
The primary objective is to investigate the educational awareness regarding the impact of these plants and to suggest a paradigm shift in how Nigeria manages invasive species by harnessing their inherent economic potential.
Which scientific methods are evaluated in the text?
The text evaluates mechanical methods (felling, uprooting), chemical methods (herbicides), and biological control methods (using insects or pathogens to manage population density).
What topics are covered in the main chapters?
The main chapters cover the background of the problem, a comprehensive literature review, control methodologies, a detailed list of invasive species with their utilization potential, and a final discussion on policy recommendations.
Which keywords best characterize this work?
Key terms include alien plant invaders, biodiversity, economic utilization, sustainable development, and phytoremediation.
Why is the "waste-to-wealth" concept significant for Nigeria?
It provides an incentive for local communities to harvest invasive species as raw materials, which helps control their spread while creating income and reducing the pressure on indigenous natural resources.
What specific risks do invasive species pose in Nigeria?
They threaten water availability, reduce land productivity, hinder irrigation, clog water bodies, and negatively impact native biodiversity and the livelihoods of people dependent on these ecosystems.
Does the author suggest completely exterminating invasive plants?
No, the author suggests a pragmatic approach where the focus shifts toward managing their population through sustainable economic utilization rather than relying solely on ineffective or costly destruction methods.
- Quote paper
- Udufo Gbadamashi (Author), 2019, The utilization of alien plant invaders in Nigeria, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/468696
