What elements should be included in a distribution database for nonindigenous plants?
It was stressed that the database used to process new reports for the early detection web site should be minimal in structure. Those interested in acquiring more information on individual reports would be directed to the agency, individual, or database affiliated with the report. Six elements were defined for the basic structure: • Standardized nomenclature • County level spatial reference • Collection date • Collector name and affiliation • Source of information (agency or database affiliated with the report) • Source’s reference number (i.e., record number in another database). Also suggested was that the web site clearly define appropriate reports. Appropriate reports might include any species recorded as newly introduced to a state as well as any species newly introduced to the county. Recognizing the likelihood that general reporting often will not originate from vouchered plant specimens, it was recommended that every record be verified with a documented specimen voucher. Questio
