| BEN |
| BOTANICAL ELECTRONIC NEWS |
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| ISSN 1188-603X |
| No. 316 November 21, 2003 | aceska@victoria.tc.ca | Victoria, B.C. |
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An international workshop on Heracleum mantegazzianum (giant hogweed) held from 5 to 7 March 2003 in Riga, Latvia.
http://www.flec.kvl.dk/giant-alien/html/menu.asp?id=138
Herbicides (glyphosate) is considered effective and cheap Spraying at least twice during the growing season: early in the season and high summer.
Glyphosate is non-selective and should be used for spot spraying where possible.
Herbicides should not be used at lake- and riverbanks. Possible seepage of chemicals to ground water.
Application of herbicides often leave the ground bare after withering of the Giant Hogweed
Root cutting is very effective, but expensive.
Cutting should take place in early spring and be repeated in highsummer.
Cutting should be done 10 cm below soil surface.
The cut plants must be pulled up and either removed or left to dry.
Umbels should be removed from flowering plants.
Mowing techniques are useful for larger population.
Mowing must be conducted 2-3 times during the season. Small population can be cut manually using a scythe or a grass trimmer.
Mowing machines may spread seeds. Mowing machine disturbance may enhance seed germination.
Umbels should be removed when seeds are formed but not yet mature.
"Waipuna" originated in New Zealand and is now operating throughout Europe, i.e., Germany, United Kingdom, France, Australia and South America. Three years ago we entered the US market with our head office in Chicago, for the past 18 months we have been focused on the west coast of the US and are now just entering into the west coast of Canada.
The Waipuna system (combination of hot water and foam) applies heat using biodegradable organic foam, consisting of sugar extracts from corn and coconut, from a specially developed machine. After application the foam dissipates harmlessly in a few minutes.
The sugar extract is added at .4% to water, which is then heated and arrives at the application head at 97 degrees C - not quite boiling. The foam acts as an insulating blanket (surfactant) and helps retain the heat over the plant for a longer period of time, which allows for faster rate of application, the hot water is the active ingredient in this process.
In treating Giant Hogweed, there are several application wands, the "spear attachment" is the most effective, a 6-8" pointed head with several outlets staggered along it's length, the spear attachment is under pressure at the nozzle @ approx. 150 psi, this is then injected directly into the rooting structure of the Hogweed at various locations, trigger is then released, literally destroying it.
Genesis was an important band in 1970s progressive rock, a musical form based on complex melodies and rhythms, with lyrics that relate stories, often fantastic, mythological or historical, sometimes comical or satyrical. (In its early years (1969-74), Peter Gabriel was the singer and front man; then drummer Phil Collins took centre stage. Both went on to more popular solo careers as singer/songwriters.) "Return of the Giant Hogweed" is from a 1971 album called Nursery Cryme and the song appears to have been based on a newspaper story about an infestation of the weed in Britain. It was not a popular hit, but it was a favourite in the band's live concerts.