Request for Proposal
WeedA Summary – Content Creation
v.1.0-20220331
What’s this content for?
As we know, weeds are just plants growing in the wrong place. Some would be confused why a pretty or even widely cultivated plant is a weed. In this writing task, we are going to explain simply to our users: “Why the plant you find is considered a weed in your region.”
You’ll be given a list of plants that are supposed to be invasive or noxious in the destination region (we define them “WeedA” in our cms system). Some are listed as invasive by local conservation councils, some are listed in reports issued by agricultural/forestry departments collaborated with academic societies, some are directly regulated by local laws. [We have attached a suggestive list of links that cover some typical legal and regulatory sources and credible weed list.]
Because whether a plant is considered a weed is regional, you would have a chance to receive a task that contains contents for multiple destination regions. For example, English description for both North America (for USA and Canada users) and the EU (for English users). You should check the information for these areas separately and write the summary respectively.
We desire a simple and accurate description and explanation.
Requirements
1. General Requirements
1.1 Word Count: around 100 words for each key-value. It is ok to run slightly longer if all the information is important.
1.2 Talk about Information on Weed Only: General information, usage (except for briefly mentioning why it could be seen in the market), and other information on this plant will be presented in other sections, please focus on the weed side.
1.3 Focus on local issues. Make sure to describe the weed based on regional circumstances.
2. Cover the following information:
2.1. Regulation Details (Mandatory)
- In which countries/states (or the whole region) it is regulated by law?
- Is it listed as invasive/noxious in which countries/states?
- Current status in the destination region: is it widely invaded already? Still, planting as ornamental plants? Or just list for a precaution?
Note:
Please search for as much information as possible to cover the situation in the destination area, and try to make a conclusion to make users ready to understand.
Describe the geographical distribution in a general way, as short as possible. Try to avoid listing different countries or states simply. E. g., we could use “Northeast Asia” instead of “Japan, Korea, Inner Mongolia, and Russian Far East”.
If a listing is necessary, still list no more than 3 countries/states. Just retain the most important 3 and use “etc.”, “and so on” for others. Try to arrange the order by population and severity of possible hazards. New York should be ahead of Alaska, and states that have been severely damaged should rank ahead of states that have not yet been invaded.
A direct referential link (to the governmental site or law itself) is needed for each law-regulated expression. If it is listed by councils or reports, please attach the original site as well. Please list the links in the comment box. A very brief explanation (in brackets) is needed for each of the links to let us know which point it supports. Most of the time, a region name (e.g.: California) will suffice, but you can also make any annotation if necessary.
2.2. Why is it a concern? (Mandatory)
- Growing/Reproducing aggressively
- Taking nutrition from other plants
- Producing toxins and harming other plants
- Poisonous to humans or animals
- Threatening the biodiversity
- Compete with the crops in the farms and orchards
- Has it already caused some damages? How severe it was?
Note: Referential links are also needed for this, and the following sections. Add explanations on why you cite it.
2.3. Habitats where it is prone to spread (Optional)
- Are there some habitats it prefers? In which condition it will get out of control easily?
2.4. What to do when I find this in my garden (Mandatory)
- You are supposed to give a piece of short advice on how to handle this plant: Just simply remove it, or you can still keep it but take care don’t release them into the environment.
- If it is still widely used in gardens in the destination region, do remind gardeners to “take measures to prevent it from spreading into the wild”.
- How to control the weed will be discussed in another section, so we shouldn’t go deep into solutions here.
- It is highly recommended that to give a piece of advice directly, instead of just telling the way the weeds spread, then let the users guess what to do. Knowing the way of spreading does allow skilled gardeners to work more precisely, but it can be difficult for a beginner (most of our users).
3. Report the Misclassified Plants:
If you could not find the plant on official reports, council lists, or any laws or governmental regulation lists in the destination region (examples see below), please leave the content box blank and leave “not weed A” in the comment box.
Credible Links for reports, council lists, and laws
Official Reports or Databases
Credible Councils Lists
Laws and Regulations
An Example of Weed Summary
- Note: 【The text inside brackets is just for explanation】
- Common lantana (Lantana camara)
English, North America
[109 words]
Although common lantana is still sold as an ornamental plant, it is listed as an invasive species by the state of California, Alabama, and Georgia.【Regulation】 It grows vigorously, often forms into dense thickets, and generates thousands of seeds for each mature plant. So it could dominate the biome quickly, supplanting local plants, and threatening biological diversity where it occupies. It is also regarded as an agricultural pest because it affects the yield of oranges orchards.【Concern】 It prefers moist environments, both open and partly shaded, especially those disturbed by human activities.【Habitat】 If you have this plant in your garden, you should take measures to prevent it from spreading into the wild.【What to do and the Reminder】
- Common lantana (Lantana camara)
English, Australia / New Zealand
[101 words]
Common lantana is a major invasive plant established in both Australia and New Zealand. Propagating, giving away, selling, or releasing it into the environment is strictly prohibited by law.【Regulation】 It grows vigorously, often forms into dense thickets, and generates thousands of seeds for each mature plant. So it could dominate the biome quickly, supplanting local plants, and threatening biological diversity where it occupies. 【Concern (Consistent phrases can exist between different regions)】 It prefers moist environments, both open and partly shaded, especially those disturbed by human activities.【Habitat】 In some regions rules require land occupiers to destroy it on their properties. Even if it is not, removal immediately is always recommended.【 What to do】
