Complex research on methods to halt the Ambrosia invasion in Europe
- Boden und Landökosysteme
- Wasser - Atmosphäre - Umwelt
- Lebensraum und Landschaft
Abstract
Objectives: The overall aim of the project is to contribute to the reduction of the prevalence of the invasive alien plant Ambrosia artemisiifolia in European countries in order to reduce the burden on public health, agriculture and biodiversity. This will consist of developing strategy elements for the reduction of the occurrence of ragweed and its pollen in countries where the species is already established, e.g., Hungary, Slovenia, parts of Austria, and South-eastern Central Europe and for the prevention of further import and spread in countries not yet heavily infested, such as Germany, the Netherlands and Northern European countries. To this end the gaps in the existing information needed for understanding historical successes and failures of prevention, control and eradication activities will be improved and analysed. This includes - a fuller understanding of critical elements in the life history of common ragweed, - an evaluation of chemical, mechanical and biological control measures Based on these results we will develop successful and cost-effective strategies for eradication and control of Ambrosia. Expected results: Results of laboratory and field experiments will cover the germination biology and seed bank behaviour, the proportion of viable/germinable seeds produced by different populations or found in transported commodities, such as bird seed and soils. The project aim to a significant improvement and adaption of control strategies against Ambrosia in Europe. Efficacy of chemical and non-chemical control measures on Ambrosia and of combinations thereof will be defined. Information on the best application and timing of control measures will available. Impacts of ragweed stands on other plants as well as impacts of control measures on non-target species will be analysed. Recommendations on the choice of the most successful method for control and eradication in different situations, such as agricultural and non-agricultural sites or more or less heavily infested areas will be given. Activities and means involved: The project will make existing experience and know-how of the project partners widely available by enhancing communication structures and by critically reviewing existing information. Experiments in the laboratories and in the field will be carried out in several countries with varying degree of ragweed infestation: Hungary, Slovenia and Austria with high and Germany and Denmark with low abundance of the species. Germination and seed bank biology and the plant’s reaction to mechanical and chemical control measures will be studied in experiments. Options for biological control and impacts of control measures on the biological diversity will be analysed in desk studies. Results will be integrated into management recommendations distributed via printed material, websites and conferences.
neobiota.pensoft.net
Mitarbeiter*Innen
Gerhard Karrer
Ao.Univ.-Prof.i.R. Mag.rer.nat. Dr.rer.nat. Gerhard Karrer
gerhard.karrer@boku.ac.at
Tel: +43 1 47654-83119
BOKU Project Leader
11.02.2011 - 10.02.2014
BOKU Partner
Externe Partner
University of Kaposvar
partner
Julius Kühn-Institut, Germany
partner
Agricultural institute of Slovenia
partner
Hungarian Academyof Sciences
partner
University of Aarhus
partner
Geldgeber
