Sustainable control strategy for alien invasive plants
Until now, all attempts to discontinue the spread and prevent future invasion of the Giant hogweed have been proven potentially unsuccessful. This is because spreading rates grow at exponential rates, while this alien invasive plant species is very resistant to independent eradication techniques. Urged by this the GIANT_ALIEN project focused on developing a sustainable strategy for alien invasive plant management in Europe. Based on knowledge gained from the project related to the taxonomy, genetics, biology and ecology of the Giant hogweed, researchers generated best practice guidelines and structured an integrated control strategy. More specifically, they studied biological and ecological aspects of H. mantegazzianum in the invaded area (Europe) and its native area (Caucasus). Some of these aspects include phenology, population dynamics, pathology, herbivorous insects along with their effects on plants, and interactions with soil, nutrients, vegetation cover and land use changes. Of special interest was the development of control strategies for tall invasive hogweeds such as the impact of herbicides, grazing, pathogens and herbivores and vegetation management schemes. These new potential control measures, along with a number of presently applied chemical and mechanical methods, were extensively investigated with estimations on cost, time and required effort. The scientifically sound, simple and practical management methods could aid significantly public and private European authorities and organisations. The derived best practice manual is currently available in eight different languages and can be directly ordered from the project homepage (http://www.giant-alien.dk/(opens in new window)). Agencies interested into the translation and printing of the manual in additional European languages are also welcome for further collaboration.
