Alien plant species on roadsides of the northwestern Patagonian steppe (Argentina)

The introduction of alien species represents one the greatest threats to biodiversity worldwide. Highway construction increases dispersal and invasion exotic plant species. This study examined assembly process communities determine whether roadsides Patagonian steppe represent a reservoir source invasive We analyzed composition native functional groups present in established vegetation seed banks reference areas nearby. type at was also evaluated. Total cover that lower than areas; however, abundance higher In vegetation, shrubs such as Acaena splendens predominated, along with perennial herbs grasses which were mainly represented by Rumex acetosella . bank predominant herbs, R , annual Epilobium brachycarpum Verbascum thapsus Heliotropium paronychioides No found either or areas. did not dominant dispersal. roadsides, both aboveground bank, may be due stressful environment characteristics themselves, ability form banks. work revealed constitute reservoirs species, highlighting importance identifying them controlling their spread, view generating ecosystem management programs.