Impact of anthropogenic transportation to Antarctica on alien seed viability

摘要: Antarctic ecosystems are at risk from the introduction of invasive species. The first step in process invasion is transportation alien species to a viable state. However, effect long-distance human-mediated dispersal, over different timescales, on propagule viability not well known. We assessed Poa trivialis seeds transported Antarctica UK, South Africa and Australia by ship or aircraft. Following Treaty area, no reduction seed was found, despite journey times lasting up 284 days experiencing temperatures as low −1.5°C. This work confirms that transport may overcome dispersal barrier for some propagules, highlights need effective pre-departure biosecurity measures.