Comprehensive Assessment of Invasive Potential: Integrating Growth Simulation and Invasive Factor Indicators for Effective Management Strategies

Abstract

Invasive plant species pose a significant threat to ecosystems worldwide. In this study, we developed a comprehensive model to assess the invasive potential of plant species, focusing on dandelions as a case study. Firstly, we simulated the growth of dandelions using a logistic-based model. We predicted the growth dynamics of dandelions throughout the year by considering environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, sunlight, etc. In conclusion, the populations of dandelions varied with higher observations and environmental conditions in a month. Next, we used the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) to evaluate the invasive potential of dandelion from five perspectives: natural energy, environmental impact, reproductive rate, medical use, and practical utility. The results show that reproductive rate and practical utility have more influence on the overall invasive potential of dandelions. To assess the sensitivity of our model, we conducted a sensitivity analysis. The developed model provides a valuable framework for assessing the invasive potential of plant species, which, combining growth simulation and invasive factor indicators, provides a comprehensive assessment of the invasive potential of dandelions. In conclusion, the model’s findings contribute to our understanding of invasion dynamics and can guide effective management strategies to mitigate the impacts of invasive plant species on ecosystems.