狼尾草属植物生物学特性、生态适应性、观赏性和入侵风险关系的探讨

With a field survey, we compared reproductive capacity, ecological adaptability and ornamental value of 12 Pennisetum species. Combined with available literature, we assessed the potential invasion risk for Pennisetum species using the Australia or New Zealand (WRA) weed risk assessment system and risk assessment system in central Europe (WG-WRA). The results showed that two risk assessment protocols had similar results. More than 50% of all species (including cultivars) had at least a moderate invasion risk (scores of more than 20 points), whereas P. alopecuroides had a high risk (32 and 29 points by the two protocols, respectively). Correlation analysis showed that Pennisetum species had a positive relationship between environmental adaptability and invasion risk, and presented a high risk of invasion with wide adaptability and strong resistance (cold resistance, drought resistance, disease and insect resistance). In addition, sexual reproductive capacity had a positive correlation with invasion risk. Higher seed yield meant a higher invasion risk for species, such as P. alopecuroides, while Pennisetum species with low seed production presented a less invasion risk, such as P. villosum and P. orientale. However, invasion risk of Pennisetum species was negatively correlated with the ornamental value.