Weeds and Invasive Plants, 4th EWRS International Symposium on 2014, Montpellier, France

Description:

Introduction

Trying to answer the question about the origin of plants – is it from here or from elsewhere and since when? – it is not possible to define a zero point. “Normal” biological invasions are natural, while “abnormal” invasions are of anthropogenic origin. If nature is essentially good, it is man corrupting it in causing “abnormal” invasions. We admire nature, but we feel guilty for “modern” plant invasions. Invasive alien species introduced intentionally or unintentionally by man can undoubtedly cause damage to the countries where they occur. Only limited progress on understanding invasion impact is made in the past decade despite the fact that impacts of exotic species are a major reason why citizens, managers, agriculturalists and scientists are interested in invasions. A general idea for this symposium was to draw attention to differences and similarities between weeds of arable fields and invasive plants of more natural habitats. Farmers do not usually distinguish between native and non-native species and control both groups with the same methods with aim to reach economically acceptable competition level which means in some cases (like sugar beet) weed free crop. The control methods used in natural- and semi-natural habitats must be selective to species and take into account also non target (native) plants and environmental impacts. The diversity in aquatic plants in Europe was presented. An overview was given on the current situation of introduced aquatic plants, as well as their pathways of introduction and their current status of spread. Species causing the most serious problems in European waters were highlighted. A. artemisiifolia serves as model plant in Europe to demonstrate negative impacts of the alien’s spread on agriculture (yield loss) and human health (allergies). Resulting awareness of the general public and the strength of respective control activities by the policy makers are driving forces for transferring control methods form the agricultural field to zones of public infrastructure.

More than 100 delegates from 26 countries of all continents came to Ascona. 39 oral presentations were given and 49 posters were exposed.

Institution

Brief description: Agricultural Weeds and Plant Invaders

This project has a closed membership.