Critical Pathways of Weed Invasion

New Zealand’s approach to weed management has been fragmented, often targeting single species or locations without addressing larger landscape patterns. This project aims to shift the focus by studying how weeds move across varied landscapes and what features enable their spread.

The research will investigate how roads, rivers, and land use influence weed distribution. It will identify fast-spreading species, assess species traits, and inform more effective surveillance systems. The goal is to support agencies and communities to detect and manage emerging plant invasions with greater precision.