Distribution of potted plants at a market and its effect on the unintentional transfer of other plants and animals

Abstract

To obtain data on the unintentional transfer of alien species, we researched the distribution of potted plants (vegetable) in Fukuoka, western Japan, and then searched for other plant and animal species mingled in the potted plants (vegetable, flower, tree, etc.). We determined that most of the potted plants (vegetable) sold in Fukuoka originated from other prefectures, including Niigata, northeastern Japan. In several kinds of potted plants, such as vegetable, flower, tree, etc., other plant species (seedlings) including alien species were observed under experimental conditions. The rates were in 6.7%-56.3% of pots, with up to four species occurring in a single pot. Moreover, animal species, e.g. Armadillidiidae gen. sp. or Formicidae gen. sp., were also found. From these results, we conclude that plants and animals are likely to be transferred unintentionally during distribution of potted plants at a market.