Fight against the invasive perennial knotle: Vienna goes on the offensive!

Fight against the invasive perennial knotle: Vienna goes on the offensive!

Liesing, Österreich - The Japanese perennial knotle has spread greatly along the Liesingbach in Vienna and ensures headaches at the responsible bodies. The MA 45, which is responsible for the local waters, has already taken measures to contain this invasive plant. However, fighting is extremely difficult, especially because of the high regeneration ability of this plant and the special challenges associated with their spread. nabu explains that the plant can grow up to 30 cm daily and die in autumn above-ground parts, which increases the risk of erosion of the top floor.

The challenges of fighting

What measures are necessary to get the Japanese perennial knotle under control? It takes intensive and regular mowing - at least 6 times a year, every 3 to 4 weeks. It should be noted that the clippings do not have to be composted, but must be burned properly in order to prevent a new spread. Combating is not only time-consuming and costly, but also requires the cooperation between the authorities and private individuals who are asked to completely tear the plants out and to dispose of the clippings appropriately.

In Germany, around 900 invasive species, including many plants such as the perennial knotle, record, which corresponds to about 1% of the overall established species there. The Federal Office for Nature Conservation shows that there is also an increasing trend in the neobiota species that has increased particularly strongly over the past 170 years. This is related to the global trade and mobility that favor the occurrence of these plants. The occurrence of colder winters is limited, but climate change could reduce this barrier in the future.

The situation around the Japanese perennial knotle is tense and requires quick action. It is our responsibility to protect our domestic plant species and to maintain the biological diversity in Vienna. The use of the MA 45 is an important step in the right direction, but the support of the population is also essential to counteract this invasive way.