Assessing the potential of remote sensing to discriminate invasive Asparagus laricinus from adjacent land cover types

Abstract The utility of remote sensing technique to discriminate Asparagus laricinus from adjacent land cover types using a field spectrometer data was explored in this study. Analysis made use of original spectra and spectra simulated based on Landsat and SPOT 5 bands. Comparisons were made at individual and plot levels using original spectra, and individual and group level using simulated spectra. The near-infrared region showed consistent significant differences between A. laricinus and adjacent land cover types at the individual level analysis. In particular, Landsat- and SPOT 5-simulated spectra showed significant differences in only the NIR band. The findings suggest the potential of upscaling field-based data into airborne or spaceborne remote sensing techniques with more emphasis on the NIR band. However, more studies need to be undertaken that will make up for the shortcomings encountered in this study. In this regard, improvements can be made using large number of samples, stratifying target plants according to phenologies, and taking spectral measurements at ideal times as much as possible. Furthermore, laboratory measurements would help in drawing up conclusive statements on the discriminability of the species.