Roadside invasive Hyptis suaveolens ((L.) Poit, 1806) colonies green energy potential in the soudano-guinean regions of Benin

Abstract

Invasive species are worldwide great challenges to biodiversity and to the community. Mitigation strategies include eradication attempts and biomass harvesting without integrating the invader in the resource chain. In the Republic of Benin, Hyptis suaveolens is a nationwide invasive plant species that develops in pure colonies in many ecological areas including roadsides. This research evaluated the biomass and sequestered carbon potentials of roadside colonies in the soudano-guinean regions of Benin. Main managed roads, main rural roads, and rural pathways, located in the department of Zou, were assessed through 1m diameter circular plots around the dominant stem of the colonies during the dry season (February&March) of 2024. This invasive plant species colonies produces 7843.11±320.86 kg/ha dry matter per year, corresponding to 11505.85±469.44kg/ha of sequestered carbon from an average 18.49±7.99 stems/m². The eastern parts had the lowest biomass productivity while the south had the highest biomass potential. The roads had similar stem density. Rural pathways had robust stems, and bore the highest biomass and sequestered carbon. The invasive plant produces high biomass in the soudano-guinean regions of Benin. But its valorization for green energy requires deeper investigations in order not to worsen its spreading and impacts into vulnerable ecosystems.