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RESEARCH PRODUCT

Ambrosia trifida L. in France: current distribution and ecological knowledge. Towards an eradication of the species?

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National audience; Giant ragweed (Ambrosia trifida L.) is an annual plant belonging to Asteraceae, originating from North America. It was introduced in France in the early twentieth century. Originally described as a ruderal plant, Ambrosia trifida was recently reported in agricultural areas (maize and soybean) in the region Midi-Pyrénées. Beyond the potential public health issue, this species is a major invasive weed in North America, its native area. That is why a question arises about the future trend of the species in France. Can we expect a low ability of the species to adapt the French habitats and land-uses, with a low probability of naturalization? Viceversa, should we consider leading a management program, before it colonizes different habitats where its management would be much more complicated? Data acquired in 2013 seems to support the hypothesis that giant ragweed eradication in France could be a realistic medium-term objective.