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Chinee Apple (Ziziphus mauritiana): A Comprehensive Review of Its Weediness, Ecological Impacts and Management Approaches

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O’Brien, C. J., Campbell, S. R., Young, A., Vogler, W. and Galea, V. J. (2023) Chinee Apple (Ziziphus mauritiana): A Comprehensive Review of Its Weediness, Ecological Impacts and Management Approaches. Plants, 12 (18). p. 3213. ISSN 2223-7747

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Article Link: https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12183213

Publisher URL: https://www.mdpi.com/2223-7747/12/18/3213

Abstract

Ziziphus mauritiana Lam. (Rhamnaceae) (Chinee Apple, Indian Jujube, or Ber) is a significant woody weed in the drier tropics of northern Queensland, Western Australia, and the Northern Territory. Throughout these regions, its densely formed thickets influence the structure, function, and composition of rangeland ecosystems by outcompeting native pasture species. Despite this, the recent literature is heavily focused on the horticultural value of domesticated Ziziphus species in South Asia (China, India, and Pakistan), particularly its potential for poverty alleviation in arid or semi-arid areas. In fact, there has been comparatively little research undertaken on its invasiveness or associated ecological factors in pastoral contexts. Currently, the management of Z. mauritiana is limited to the application of synthetic herbicides or mechanical clearing operations. There is also considerable interest in the exploitation of host-specific, natural enemies (biological control agents, herbivorous insects, fungi, bacteria, or viruses) for limiting the vigour, competitiveness, or reproductive capacity of Z. mauritiana in northern Australia. The development of a “bioherbicide” in lieu of synthetic counterparts may foster a more resilient coexistence between agricultural systems and the natural environment owing to its reduced environmental persistence and increased target specificity. This review summarises the current literature on the weediness, ecological impacts, and current management of this problematic weed, thereby identifying (i) opportunities for further research and (ii) recommendations for improved management within its invasive range.

Item Type:Article
Corporate Creators:Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, Queensland
Business groups:Biosecurity Queensland
Keywords:Chinee apple; Indian jujube; Ziziphus mauritiana; woody weeds; invasive alien species
Subjects:Science > Invasive Species > Plants > Effect of herbicides
Science > Invasive Species > Plants > Weed ecology
Plant pests and diseases > Weeds, parasitic plants etc
Agriculture > By region or country > Australia > Queensland
Live Archive:11 Oct 2023 06:06
Last Modified:11 Oct 2023 06:06

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