Coastal Plain Yellowtops Flaveria bidentis (L.) Kuntze

Abstract

The coastal plain yellowtops, Flaveria bidentis (L.) Kuntze, a C4 annual or perennial herb native to South America, has damaged local ecosystems and caused great economic loss in China. Its large seeds, strong ability to adapt to different environmental conditions and strong allelopathy to inhibit the growth of other plants lead to its expansion to Hebei, Henan and Shandong Provinces now. Based on biological and geographical characteristics, South, East and Central China are the potential distribution ranges of this weed. The main methods of controlling the invasive plant are chemical control, mechanical eradication and biological control. Sorghum sudanense (Piper) Stapf is the best alternative plant to control the growth of F. bidentis.