Research directed by C. Daehler (UH Botany) with funding from the Kaulunani Urban Forestry Program and US Forest Service

Information on Risk Assessments
Original risk assessment

Alnus nepalensis (Nepalese alder, Indian alder)

Answer

1.01

Is the species highly domesticated?

y=-3, n=0

n

1.02

Has the species become naturalized where grown?

y=-1, n=-1

n

1.03

Does the species have weedy races?

y=-1, n=-1

n

2.01

Species suited to tropical or subtropical climate(s) (0-low; 1-intermediate; 2-high) – If island is primarily wet habitat, then substitute “wet tropical” for “tropical or subtropical”

See Append 2

2

2.02

Quality of climate match data (0-low; 1-intermediate; 2-high) see appendix 2

1

2.03

Broad climate suitability (environmental versatility)

y=1, n=0

y

2.04

Native or naturalized in regions with tropical or subtropical climates

y=1, n=0

y

2.05

Does the species have a history of repeated introductions outside its natural range? y=-2

?=-1, n=0

y

3.01

Naturalized beyond native range y = 1*multiplier (see Append 2), n= question 2.05

n

3.02

Garden/amenity/disturbance weed y = 1*multiplier (see Append 2)

n=0

n

3.03

Agricultural/forestry/horticultural weed y = 2*multiplier (see Append 2)

n=0

n

3.04

Environmental weed y = 2*multiplier (see Append 2)

n=0

n

3.05

Congeneric weed y = 1*multiplier (see Append 2)

n=0

n

4.01

Produces spines, thorns or burrs

y=1, n=0

n

4.02

Allelopathic

y=1, n=0

n

4.03

Parasitic

y=1, n=0

n

4.04

Unpalatable to grazing animals

y=1, n=-1

n

4.05

Toxic to animals

y=1, n=0

n

4.06

Host for recognized pests and pathogens

y=1, n=0

n

4.07

Causes allergies or is otherwise toxic to humans

y=1, n=0

n

4.08

Creates a fire hazard in natural ecosystems

y=1, n=0

n

4.09

Is a shade tolerant plant at some stage of its life cycle

y=1, n=0

y

4.1

Tolerates a wide range of soil conditions (or limestone conditions if not a volcanic island)

y=1, n=0

y

4.11

Climbing or smothering growth habit

y=1, n=0

n

4.12

Forms dense thickets

y=1, n=0

n

5.01

Aquatic

y=5, n=0

n

5.02

Grass

y=1, n=0

n

5.03

Nitrogen fixing woody plant

y=1, n=0

y

5.04

Geophyte (herbaceous with underground storage organs -- bulbs, corms, or tubers)

y=1, n=0

n

6.01

Evidence of substantial reproductive failure in native habitat

y=1, n=0

n

6.02

Produces viable seed.

y=1, n=-1

y

6.03

Hybridizes naturally

y=1, n=-1

6.04

Self-compatible or apomictic

y=1, n=-1

6.05

Requires specialist pollinators

y=-1, n=0

n

6.06

Reproduction by vegetative fragmentation

y=1, n=-1

n

6.07

Minimum generative time (years) 1 year = 1, 2 or 3 years = 0, 4+ years = -1

See left

4

7.01

Propagules likely to be dispersed unintentionally (plants growing in heavily trafficked areas)

y=1, n=-1

n

7.02

Propagules dispersed intentionally by people

y=1, n=-1

y

7.03

Propagules likely to disperse as a produce contaminant

y=1, n=-1

n

7.04

Propagules adapted to wind dispersal

y=1, n=-1

y

7.05

Propagules water dispersed

y=1, n=-1

n

7.06

Propagules bird dispersed

y=1, n=-1

n

7.07

Propagules dispersed by other animals (externally)

y=1, n=-1

n

7.08

Propagules survive passage through the gut

y=1, n=-1

n

8.01

Prolific seed production (>1000/m2)

y=1, n=-1

y

8.02

Evidence that a persistent propagule bank is formed (>1 yr)

y=1, n=-1

n

8.03

Well controlled by herbicides

y=-1, n=1

8.04

Tolerates, or benefits from, mutilation, cultivation, or fire

y=1, n=-1

y

8.05

Effective natural enemies present locally (e.g. introduced biocontrol agents)

y=-1, n=1

Total score:

-2

Notes

Source

1.01

No evidence

1.02

No evidence of naturalization in introduced range.

1.03

No evidence

2.01

(1)A. nepalensis prefers moist, cool or subtropical climates. (2)tropical uplands (3)It is found naturally in moist, cool or subtropical mountain monsoon climates, with an average annual rainfall of 500-2500 mm and a 4-8 month dry season. Mean annual temperatures range from 13-26oC. Soils tend to be moist and well-drained

(1)CAB International, 2000. Forestry Compendium Global Module. Wallingford, UK: CAB International. (2)http://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/duke_energy/Alnus_nepalensis.html (3)http://www.winrock.org/forestry/factpub/FACTSH/A_nepalensis.html

2.02

cool temp species

2.03

(1)Can grow at altitudes uptp 3000 m. Approximate limits north to south: 30°N to 20° (2)Forests in ravines, on stream banks and occasionally in drier localities, 900 - 2700m in the Himalayas (3)In its native habitat it ranges from 300–3,000 m, in Hawaii from 300–1,800 m, growing well in areas with more than 500 mm annual precipitation. (4)At lower altitudes particularly, utis occurs on moist sites, such as near rivers and in ravines, but it will colonize rocky sites exposed by landslips, or lands abandoned following cultivation. It grows poorly on dry, exposed ridge-tops.

(1)CAB International, 2000. Forestry Compendium Global Module. Wallingford, UK: CAB International. (2)http://www.gardenbed.com/A/261.cfm (3)http://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/duke_energy/Alnus_nepalensis.html (4)http://www.winrock.org/forestry/factpub/FACTSH/A_nepalensis.html

2.04

A. nepalensis is a native species of the middle hills of the Himalayas, occurring at altitudes from 500 to 3000 m in Pakistan, eastern Nepal, Bhutan, northern India (Darjeeling hills, Mishmi hills, Sikkim), and Xizhang (Tibet) in China, upper Myanmar and parts of Indochina.

CAB International, 2000. Forestry Compendium Global Module. Wallingford, UK: CAB International.

2.05

Introduced to Java, South and Central America, Africa and the U.S.

CAB International, 2000. Forestry Compendium Global Module. Wallingford, UK: CAB International.

3.01

No evidence of naturalization in introduced range.

3.02

No evidence

3.03

No evidence

3.04

No evidence

3.05

No evidence

4.01

No evidence

CAB International, 2000. Forestry Compendium Global Module. Wallingford, UK: CAB International.

4.02

(2) The allelopathic effects of 4 agroforestry tree species (Adina cordifolia, Alnus nepalensis, Celtis australis and Prunus cerasoides) were tested in the experimental garden of the University of Srinagar by growing crops (Eleusine coracana, Glycine max and Hordeum vulgare) on top soil and rhizosphere soil from local woodlots of these trees, and on garden soil either mulched with dry leaves or irrigated with aqueous leaf extracts of the species. Germination percentage, shoot length, root length and dry matter production and pigment contents of crops were significantly reduced in most treatments, in comparison with values obtained using untreated garden soil as a control. Maximum reduction in germination percentage, root/shoot length and dry matter production was obtained in the treatments in which experimental garden soil was mulched with dry leaves of trees or treated with leaf extracts. The most allelopathic tree species was Adina cordifolia, and the leastAlnus nepalensis and Celtis australis. The most sus

S. K.; Sanjay Kumar. 1987. Allelopathic interaction of Alnus nepalensis Don. on the seed germination and root-shoot length of soybean. Indian Journal of Agricultural Sciences. Vol.57, No.5, pp.371-372, 7 ref. {Volume not at lib)
(2) Bhatt, B. P. Todaria, N. P. (1990) Studies on the allelopathic effects of some agroforestry tree crops of Garhwal Himalaya. Agroforestry Systems, 1990, Vol. 12, No. 3, pp. 251-255, 13 ref. Allelopathic interaction of Alnus nepalensis Don. on the seed germination and root-shoot length of soybean. Singh, S. K. Sanjay Kumar, Kumaun University Campus, Almoora, UP 263601, India. Indian Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 1987, Vol. 57, No. 5, pp. 371-372, 7 ref.
Soyabean seeds were soaked for 24 h in leaf leachates and dilute aqueous bark extracts of A. nepalensis, and placed in petri dishes on moist blotting paper for germination tests at 27 deg C. Germination %, and root and shoot lengths were measured after 2 wk and compared with values from control

4.03

No evidence

4.04

(1)a fodder tree (2)Mature leaves are eaten by sheep and goats, but not cattle (Panday 1982, Singh 1982)

(1)CAB International, 2000. Forestry Compendium Global Module. Wallingford, UK: CAB International. (2)http://www.winrock.org/forestry/factpub/FACTSH/A_nepalensis.html

4.05

No evidence

4.06

Pests recorded
Insect pests:
Chrysomela adamsi [1]
Oreina [2]
Zeuzera [3]
Fungus diseases:
Melampsoridium hiratsukanum [4]
Passalora alni [4]
None of the above were found to be of economic importance.

CAB International, 2000. Forestry Compendium Global Module. Wallingford, UK: CAB International.

4.07

No evidence

4.08

(1) A. nepalensis prefers moist, cool or subtropical climates. It grows in deciduous; mixed and moist forest types. Mean annual rainfall: 500 - 2500 mm. Dry season duration: 4 - 8 months
(2) The combustion characteristics and components of 48 tree species in south China were studied. Also studied were the biological and ecological characteristics of the tree species. The fire resistance abilities of Schima superba, Michelia macclurei, Exbucklandia populnea, Alnus nepalensis, Myrica rubra and Altingia gracilipes were the strongest.

(1) CAB International, 2000. Forestry Compendium Global Module. Wallingford, UK: CAB International.
(2) Tian, XiaoRui; Shu, LiFu; Qiao, QiYu; He, QingTang; Li, Hong (2001) Research on fire-resistance tree species in south China. Journal of Beijing Forestry University, 2001, Vol. 23, No. 5, pp. 43-47, 6 ref.
(3) Singh, S. K. Sanjay Kumar (1987) Allelopathic interaction of Alnus nepalensis Don. on the seed germination and root-shoot length of soybean. Indian Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 1987, Vol. 57, No. 5, pp. 371-372, 7 ref.

4.09

(1)A. nepalensis is a pioneer species, which grows well in full light and thus is moderately light-demanding, and only tolerates shaded conditions in its early growth stages. (2)Tolerate shade

(1)CAB International, 2000. Forestry Compendium Global Module. Wallingford, UK: CAB International.(2)http://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/duke_energy/Alnus_nepalensis.html

4.1

A. nepalensis can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including soils with both light and heavy textures, free and temporally impeded drainage, and fertile and infertile soils.

CAB International, 2000. Forestry Compendium Global Module. Wallingford, UK: CAB International.

4.11

Probably not - not a vine.

4.12

It occurs naturally in both pure and mixed stands. [but no evidence of thickets]

http://www.winrock.org/forestry/factpub/FACTSH/A_nepalensis.html

5.01

Betulatceae

5.02

Betulatceae

5.03

A. nepalensis is a fast-growing nitrogen-fixing tree.

CAB International, 2000. Forestry Compendium Global Module. Wallingford, UK: CAB International.

5.04

No evidence

6.01

The catkins are produced in September and October in India and China, and from September to November in Nepal.

CAB International, 2000. Forestry Compendium Global Module. Wallingford, UK: CAB International.

6.02

Seedlings are thinned out during the rainy season when they have produced 6 leaves and attained a height of 2-3 cm, a

CAB International, 2000. Forestry Compendium Global Module. Wallingford, UK: CAB International.

6.03

No evidence

6.04

Unisexual flowers. Female and male flowers in separate inflorescences called catkins.

http://216.239.57.100/search?q=cache:s32o1PtJV14C:www.dfsc.dk/
pdf/Seedleaflets/Alnus%2520nepalensis_int.pdf+Alnus+nepalensis&hl=en&ie=UTF-8

6.05

Probably not - from the picture the morphology of flowers does not suggest pollination by specialist pollinators. [probably wind]

CAB International, 2000. Forestry Compendium Global Module. Wallingford, UK: CAB International.

6.06

The species is readily propagated from fresh seed with no pretreatment. [No evidence of reproduction by vegetative means in the wild.]

CAB International, 2000. Forestry Compendium Global Module. Wallingford, UK: CAB International.

6.07

A fast growing species - Large tree 8–15 (to 30) m tall [minimum for a fast growing large tree]

http://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/duke_energy/Alnus_nepalensis.html

7.01

Probably not - no evidence that the propagules have any means of attachment.

CAB International, 2000. Forestry Compendium Global Module. Wallingford, UK: CAB International.

7.02

Probably yes - 'It is a typical multipurpose tree, grown for timber, fuelwood, pulp, tannin, fodder, green manure, and for soil improvement and erosion control.'

CAB International, 2000. Forestry Compendium Global Module. Wallingford, UK: CAB International.

7.03

Probably not - The nut has a narrow membranous wing.

CAB International, 2000. Forestry Compendium Global Module. Wallingford, UK: CAB International.

7.04

The nut has a narrow membranous wing. Wind dispersed seeds.

CAB International, 2000. Forestry Compendium Global Module. Wallingford, UK: CAB International.

7.05

The nut has a narrow membranous wing. Wind dispersed seeds.

CAB International, 2000. Forestry Compendium Global Module. Wallingford, UK: CAB International.

7.06

The nut has a narrow membranous wing. Wind dispersed seeds.

CAB International, 2000. Forestry Compendium Global Module. Wallingford, UK: CAB International.

7.07

The nut has a narrow membranous wing. Wind dispersed seeds.

CAB International, 2000. Forestry Compendium Global Module. Wallingford, UK: CAB International.

7.08

No evidence that seeds are consumed. Lacks hard seed coat.

CAB International, 2000. Forestry Compendium Global Module. Wallingford, UK: CAB International.

8.01

Nuts obtrapezoid, emarginate, incl. the wing 2 mm [numerous small seeds in catkin]

http://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/duke_energy/Alnus_nepalensis.html#Uses

8.02

(1) Some authorities state that the seeds have a limited viability of only 3 months, although others claim seeds are orthodox and retain viability for at least a year. Boojh and Ramakrishnan (1981) state that the germination rate is only 22% after one year storage at 0º C. Jackson (1994) states that if the seed is dried thoroughly and stored in sealed containers in a refrigerator at 4-5º C it will retain viability for a year or more.
(2) "Seeds were stored for up to 1 yr at 20 plus or minus 5 deg C or 0 plus or minus 2 deg C in tightly closed plastic bottles, or buried in the soil at 5 cm depth." [beyond 1 year only under lab conditions] (3)In Hawaii, in aseasonal situations, the trees coppice year round. In Himachal Pradesh, India, the trees are lopped every other year for fuel (NAS, 1980a).

CAB International, 2000. Forestry Compendium Global Module. Wallingford, UK: CAB International.
(2) Boojh, R. Ramakrishnan, P. S. (1981) Germination of seeds of Alnus nepalensis Don. National Academy of Sciences, Science Letters, 1981, Vol. 4, No. 2, pp. 53-56, 10 ref. (3)http://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/duke_energy/Alnus_nepalensis.html

8.03

No evidence that the species is being controlled for.

8.04

A. nepalensis is sometimes reported to coppice well, although some authorities state that it will not coppice - these differences may be due to site conditions, age and size of trees, or time of year in which coppicing was done (Jackson, 1994). Successful regrowth seems to depend on the season of felling.

CAB International, 2000. Forestry Compendium Global Module. Wallingford, UK: CAB International.

8.05

Don’t know