Implications for biological invasion of non‐native plants for sale in the world's largest online market

Abstract

AbstractInternet trade is increasingly recognized as a dispersal pathway of non‐native plant species that is difficult to monitor. We sought to identify non‐native flora present in the Chinese online market, the largest e‐commerce market globally, and to decipher the effect of existing trade regulations, among other variables, on e‐trading patterns and to inform policy. We used a comprehensive list of 811 non‐native plant species in China present in 1 of the 3 phases of the invasion continuum (i.e., introduced, naturalized, and invasive). The price, propagule types, and quantities of the species offered for sale were retrieved from 9 online stores, including 2 of the largest platforms. Over 30% of the non‐native species were offered for sale in the online marketplaces; invasive non‐native species dominated the list (45.53%). No significant price difference was observed across the non‐native species of the 3 invasion categories. Among the 5 propagule types, a significantly higher number of non‐native species were offered for sale as seeds. The regression models and path analyses consistently revealed a direct positive effect of the number of uses and species’ minimum residence time and an indirect effect of biogeography on the pattern of trade in non‐native plant species when minimal phylogenetic signal was detected. A review of the existing phytosanitary regulations in China revealed their inadequacy in managing e‐trading of non‐native plant species. To address the problem, we propose integration of a standardized risk assessment framework that considers perceptions of stakeholders and is adaptable based on continuous surveillance of the trade network. If implemented successfully, the measures could provide a template for other countries to strengthen trading regulations for non‐native plant species and take proactive management measures.