A synthesis of plant invasion control: important factors to consider when choosing a control method

Experimental studies on invasive plant control often involve a small number of invasive plants and are conducted in a particular habitat. Moreover, different invasive plant control strategies vary among studies. Therefore, it is difficult to identify the best control method when considering the individual studies separately. Here, we conduct a systematic review to find a general pattern about the most widely used measures for controlling invasive plants, based on their growth habits and invaded habitats, and explore how different control strategies vary across different experimental studies. This information may guide us to improve our control efficiency. We found that herbicide application was the most preferred method for controlling invasive plants, regardless of their growth habit and habitat type. On the other hand, the selection of an appropriate non-chemical control method depended on the growth habit and habitat of the invasive plant. In the majority of experimental studies, control treatments were applied once, and the responses of invasive plants were monitored over one growing season. Based on these results, we discuss the merits and demerits of the most widely used control methods and provide recommendations for deciding on an effective control method.