A framework for the evaluation and selection of invasive plant management technologies: The case of Spartina alterniflora in China

Invasive plants represent a significant global ecological challenge. A variety of invasive plant management technologies have been implemented by countries worldwide with the objective of restoring native vegetation and original ecosystems. However, there is currently lack of scientific and comprehensive framework to guide the selection of technologies, and local managers do not adequately consider the effectiveness of the technologies under different combinations of ecological conditions. To enable managers to select locally appropriate management methods from existing management experiences, the framework is comprised of four stages: data collection and integration, analysis of the multi-scale ecological suitability of technologies, consideration of the inherent attributes of technologies, and comprehensive evaluation. In the case of Spartina alterniflora management in China, we integrated a network to organize management technologies with complex steps and diverse designations. The AHP method was used to construct a comprehensive evaluation index system for assessing the inherent characteristics and ecological suitability of management technologies. When considering only the inherent attributes of the technologies, the highest scores were achieved by the spraying of haloxyfop- R -methyl and physical methods based on mowing + plowing. But the composite score of technologies was observed to vary under two specific ecological conditions as an example. The framework provides managers with a scientific basis and technical support for selecting appropriate management technologies for specific invasive plant species in a given area. It also facilitates the development and implementation of management technologies and serves as a conduit between invasion ecology research and applied practice.