Weeding out the weeds
Alien invasive plants still pose a challenge regarding their long-term control and eradication. The EC-funded GIANT ALIEN project sought to devise effective and environmentally safe management techniques in order to prevent the spread of these invasive plants. Part of the project's aims was the dissemination of all important findings to European stakeholders involved in the protection of plant biodiversity. Project partner, University of Hertfordshire, carried out series of studies examining the geographic distribution of Heracleum mantegazzianum. Researchers focused on the different genetic and taxonomic types of hogweed found across European territories. The studies were carried out at three levels, Europe-wide, country-specific and regional. Three countries were chosen, Czech Republic, Latvia and United Kingdom. Data revealed that different taxa are encountered in different regions in Europe. The maps that have been produced include information on the areas susceptible to Heracleum infestation and those that are naturally "immune" to it, like the Mediterranean basin. The researchers have established that the main cause behind the spread of the different species was the exchange of seeds through a variety of ways including agricultural practices. The future management of these invasive plants will depend to a great extent on the ability of researchers to expand their findings to larger zones across Europe.
