Harnessing Invasive Plant Species Into Valuable Products

Invasive plant species interact and impede the growth of other plant species due to high germinability and rapid growth rate. These plants impact the integrity of natural ecosystem where they grow. In agricultural lands and in forest plantations, invasive species compete crops by using up soil nutrients and water resources, affecting crop yield, forage quality and overall productivity whereas, aquatic invasive plant species clog water bodies threatening native aquatic plants and animals, and adversely impacting irrigation systems and water supply. Management of these species is complex yet cost effective and laborious process.

Plants hold the beneficial potential across multiple fields like health, economy, environment and cultural practices. Utilizing unwanted plant species into socio-culturally and commercially viable products offers a beneficial solution that can generate economic and social-cultural values.

The intent of proposed research topic is to understand the recent developments happened in harnessing the invasive plant species into viable and sustainable products. The present research topic will include the articles focusing on the exploration of invasive plant species for value added products. The secondary utilization of these invasive species will leads to the development of new entrepreneurs and will open up a new field for sustainable research. Through innovative ideas and techniques, we can ensure sustainability in crop production, promote environmental and biodiversity conservation while contributing to the local, regional and global economy.

The proposed research topic is welcoming articles on the following subtopics:

1. Biological safety and biological methods of defence against Invasive Plant Species. Introduction of native or specially selected plants that can suppress invasive species through more efficient use of resources (light, water, nutrients). The study of plants that secrete natural chemical compounds that inhibit the growth of invasive species.
2. Ecology of invasive plant species. Investigating the impact of invasive plants on native species, ecosystem structure and food chains. Genetic monitoring: Use of molecular markers (environmental DNA) to track the genetic variability of invasive species. Computer modelling to predict the long-term effects of biocontrol administration.
3. Investigating the nutritional value of invasive plants for livestock feed.
4. Harvesting of invasive plants for the development of bio-based plastics and composites
5. Production of biomass for soil amendments/ biofertilizers / pesticides by utilizing invasive plants
6. Bioenergy or renewable energy production
7. Molecular mechanisms of harvesting invasive plants for bio-based products
8. Inhibition and controlling soil erosion, pollution and phytoremediation by invasive plants

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review
• Specialty Grand Challenge
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: Invasive Plants, Plant byproducts, Phytoremediation

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.