[Science News] – Launch of PlantAlert: a citizen web application to track invasive plants

On 24 August, the new citizen tool PlantAlert has been officially launched—a web application designed to spot invasive alien ornamental plants before they escape into the wild. The platform invites both amateur and professional gardeners to report exotic species that are spreading uncontrollably in their green spaces.

PlantAlert was developed as part of the European OneSTOP project, in collaboration with INBO and Meise Botanic Garden. The project relies on citizen science to anticipate ecological risks. The application combines Pl@ntNet’s artificial intelligence for visual identification with the power of the iNaturalist community for recording field data. By answering a short questionnaire about the behaviour of their plants, participants provide scientists with crucial  insights into the species that spread quickly and help us to protect local biodiversity.

How to participate?

You can take part via the PlantAlert web. The process involves three simple steps:

• Walk through your garden and look for invasive plants that seem to be spreading too far.
• Photograph the suspect plant; the application uses the Pl@ntNet tool to validate its scientific name.
• Complete the short built‑in questionnaire to describe its behaviour (rate of spread, smothering neighbouring plants).

Whether you are a weekend gardener or a passionate botanist, your contribution in the field is essential: log in to the PlantAlert application, inspect your flowerbeds, and report any plants that are getting out of control. By doing so, you join a broad European movement and become an active guardian of our natural ecosystems.