Rapid continental spread of a salt-tolerant plant along the European road network

Abstract The spread of alien species with the expansion road networks and increasing traffic is a well-known phenomenon globally. Besides their corridor effects, maintenance practices, such as use de-icing salts during winter facilitate halophyte (salt tolerant) along roads. A good example Plantago coronopus , mainly coastal which has started spreading inland from Atlantic Mediterranean habitats, recently reaching even Central European countries (e.g. Hungary). Here we studied this tried to identify factors explaining its successful dispersion roads, while also comparing native non-native roadside occurrences regard altitude localities, size populations frequency occurrences. We completed comprehensive literature review collected more than 200 reports occurrence roadsides spanning total 38 years. During systematic sampling roads was significantly higher in (native area), Hungarian (non-native area) however average number individuals at localities were very similar, no significant difference could be detected. Using germination experiment, demonstrate that although able germinate high salt concentrations, not required for germination. Indeed decreases probability seeds. most likely explained by remarkably seed production, or some special characteristics dimorphism) ability adapt wide range environmental conditions. Considering recent rapid eastward P. other where it been reported yet can predicted coming