Evaluation of Population Regulation of Invasive Species Fallopia × Bohemica by Repeated Mowing

Abstract

Population regulation of invasive species Fallopia × bohemica by repeated mowing was evaluated in experimental research plots in Babindol and Klasov. The mowings were carried out repeatedly (three mowings) during the growing season 2010. The statistical evaluation confirmed that the mechanical regulation of populations of Fallopia × bohemica significantly influenced the dynamics of shoot height as well as the diameter at the base of a stem. Significantly less marked decline of the population density had occured after the 2nd mowing. For the best controll in the future, we suggest the application of mechanical regulation in shorter intervals depending on a growth rate.

Game of Clones: Students Model the Dispersal and Fighting of Japanese Knotweed (Fallopia japonica)

“…In the literature, there are many control methods and attempts described, but there are none that are completely convincing, and it amounts to a combination of different methods. Mechanical regulations focus on mowing, and although mowing during the vegetation period reduces the height and the diameter growth of shoots, the total weight of the biomass more or less stays the same [15]. The combination of cutting or mowing and using glyphosate has shown to be the most efficient and least time-consuming strategy so far [19,40].…”

“…At present, there is no fully effective method to control knotweed. Still, in the literature, there is a long list of control methods ranging from mechanical methods such as pulling out and mowing [15] to grazing with sheep and goats [16], planting competitive native species [17,18], covering the roots with tarpaulin, and using herbicides [18,19] to biological control such as the use of Japanese knotweed psyllid [20].…”