The role of road disturbance in the dispersal and spread of <i>Ageratina adenophora</i> along the Dian–Myanmar International Road

Abstract

Summary This study was conducted to examine the roles of both environmental variables and road factors in explaining the spatial patterns of the exotic plant, Ageratina adenophora (Crofton weed), within the roadside habitats along the Dian–Myanmar International Road. The results indicate this plant was comparatively abundant along the middle part of this International Road and significantly less common along the northern section. The highest presence of A. adenophora was found at the site of new roads. This plant invaded more easily into spoil ground where road soil or construction waste was piled up. This road was confirmed as a corridor of A. adenophora invasion and should be considered as an important target of local and regional efforts to prevent and control cross‐border and interior invasions of this exotic plant.