Abstract:
【Objective】 This study investigated the species, origins, and ecological and agricultural impacts of alien invasive lianas in Yunnan Province, with an aim to provide a scientific basis for prevention and control of alien invasive lianas. 【Method】 Based on literature review, field surveys, and plot surveys, the life forms, places of origins, invasion pathways, distribution patterns, and habitat types of alien invasive lianas in Yunnan Province were analyzed to investigate their growth characteristics and invasion patterns. 【Result】 A total of 31 alien invasive liana species, belonging to 18 genera and 11 families, were recorded in Yunnan Province; high numbers of invasive species were observed in Fabaceae (5 species), Passifloraceae (5 species), and Convolvulaceae (12 species). Herbaceous lianas accounted for 80.65% and exhibi-ted invasive traits such as strong reproductive capacity, rapid growth, and high phenotypic plasticity. Woody lianas just accounted for 19.35% but presented potential ecological threats due to their strong tolerance to environmental stress and adaptability. Perennial lianas accounted for 67.74%, showing an even stronger adaptability that enabled them to survive and reproduce under adverse conditions of resources and the environment. A significant proportion of invasive lianas originated from the Americas, accounting for 77.14% of total original distribution. Among these American species: 22.58% could invade across five to six climate zones, ranging from temperate to tropical regions, indicating broad climatic adapt-ability; 25.81% had been reported in more than five prefectures (cities) in China; 61.29% had invaded the Xishuangbanna Prefecture; 12.90% had colonized more than five types of habitats. Specifically,
Mikania micrantha Kunth,
Ipomoea cairica (L.) Sweet, and
Anredera cordifolia (Ten.) Steenis had established dominant populations in regions of Yunnan Province, posing serious threats to diversity and agricultural production for native plants. Six invasive lianas, including
Mikania micrantha Kunth,
Ipomoea purpurea (L.) Roth, and
Ipomoea cairica (L.) Sweet caused severe or relatively severe damage to agricultural production, with yield losses of over 10.0% in crops such as sugarcane, maize, and fruit trees. In addition, eight species—including
Anredera cordifolia (Ten.) Steenis,
Ipomoea cairica (L.) Sweet, and
Mikania micrantha Kunth—tended to form dominant populations in invaded habitats, further threatening biodiversity and ecological security. 【Conclusion】 The invasion risk of alien lianas in Yunnan Province is high, posing serious threats to local ecosystems and agricultural production. Therefore, enhanced monitoring and early warning for alien lianas are recommended, especially rapid assessments and emergency control for high-risk species; simultaneously, control measures utilizing an integrated approach (agricultural, physical, and chemical) should be employed according to species-specific characteristics, and a cross-regional coordination mechanism for prevention and control must be developed to curb the spread of invasive lianas.