Abstract: Cenchrus pauciflorus, one of the malignant alien plant species, is distributed in the intersection of northwest Liaoning, eastern part of Inner Mongolia, and southern Jilin. It has caused serious impacts on grassland productivity, grassland quality, and biodiversity, due to its high resistance, high propagation capability, multiple dispersal routes, and high invasiveness. The effective measures on how to control the species are scarce. We reviewed biological characteristics, ecological characteristic, dispersal routes, harmfulness, and the current preventive measures. We analyzed the pros and cons of current preventive measures and proposed an integrated management strategy for the control of the invasive species. The future directions for theoretical research and development of control technology were prospected to provide basis for elimination of Cenchrus pauciflorus in northern China.

Key words: malignant alien plant, biological characteristic, ecological characteristic, dispersal route, harmfulness.