Description
LIFE+ TEN Project - Invasive Species Control Demonstration Action: Eradication of Japan's Polygon
The species
The Japanese polygonum(Reynoutria japonica) is a plant introduced to Europe from the first half of the 19th century for ornamental reasons. It has subsequently naturalised, establishing itself preferably along the slopes and banks of watercourses.
The problem
The Japanese polygonum is a species characterised by a very high reproductive capacity by vegetative means, only one centimetre of rhizome is needed to generate a new specimen. As an 'alien' species, its presence in natural environments causes 'floristic pollution', but above all it suffocates natural vegetation due to its exuberant growth, thus increasing bank erosion, and destabilises the banks of watercourses due to the dense network of roots it forms.
Objective of the action
Intervention to eradicate the Japanese polygon from the stretch of Torrente Sarca that flows through the 'Val Genova' site. The sporadic stations of this species will consequently be the subject of a capillary eradication operation with punctual manual operations of cutting down the plants, digging up their rhizomes and completely destroying the vegetative material by burning.
Expected results:
- the elimination of a dangerous 'hotbed' of Japanese knotweed and the simultaneous restoration of natural spaces along the banks of the Sarca river on which natural vegetation can subsequently return to establish itself, hindering the return of the pest.
- More generally, the action aims to focus the attention of the Adamello-Brenta Nature Park staff and all those in Trentino who may be interested, on the problem of the invasion of the province's territory by 'alien' species and the correct ways to combat them.
Documentation