Invasive esparto grass threatens agriculture: Warnings from the Prevention Center
The National Center for Plant Pest and Animal Disease Prevention (Wiqa’) issued an urgent warning regarding the rapid spread of the invasive grass, Elderflower, across various regions of Saudi Arabia. The center called for concerted efforts and the implementation of comprehensive and rigorous control measures to protect vegetation and the agricultural environment from the severe environmental and economic damage caused by this rapidly spreading weed.
The historical and environmental context of the emergence of invasive species
The problem of invasive and alien plant species is one of the most significant environmental challenges worldwide. Historically, many of these plants have spread across continents through global trade, climate change, or uncontrolled human activity. Weeds similar to esparto grass are among the most dangerous weeds globally, possessing a remarkable ability to adapt to various harsh climatic conditions. This gives them a competitive advantage over native plants, ultimately leading to biodiversity loss and desertification.
Local and regional impacts of the spread of the invasive esparto grass
has the invasive grass, Elderflower, serious repercussions that extend beyond local boundaries to encompass broad regional impacts. Locally in the Kingdom, its expansion into fertile lands poses a direct threat to agricultural crop productivity, potentially undermining efforts to achieve sustainable food security. Regionally and internationally, the proliferation of such invasive species costs global economies billions of dollars annually due to crop losses and the costs of ongoing control programs, in addition to its role in altering ecosystem structures and reducing the quality of natural pastures upon which livestock depend.
The properties of the herb and its dual creeping mechanism
The “Wiqa” Center revealed that this perennial weed possesses biological characteristics that make it difficult to control. It has creeping root systems (rhizomes) that extend beneath the soil surface, and sharp-edged leaves. Despite its deceptive appearance of attractive silvery-white flower spikes, its true danger lies in its dual dispersal mechanism. Wind plays a pivotal role in transporting its lightweight seeds over vast distances, allowing them to establish themselves in new geographical areas with high density and in record time.
Integrated pest management strategies and tillage warnings
The center emphasized the importance of urgent and well-considered intervention to address this environmental and agricultural challenge. Experts strongly warned against resorting to traditional agricultural practices such as indiscriminate tilling, as this process breaks down root rhizomes into small pieces, stimulating the growth of new shoots and leading to the opposite result: accelerating the spread of the plant instead of eliminating it.
To curb this significant spread, Waqaa recommended implementing a comprehensive integrated pest management (IPM) approach. The mechanical approach relies on early intervention to destroy the plants before they reach full maturity and produce seeds. This involves direct uprooting and continuous removal of the roots, with the need to repeat this process regularly to ensure they do not return.
In addition, the center highlighted the effectiveness of chemical control as a parallel and crucial approach. This approach relies on the use of specialized and approved herbicides, most notably glyphosate, which is recommended for spraying during periods of active plant growth to ensure absorption and penetration to the deep roots, thus eliminating the infestation completely.
The role of the community in monitoring the invasive esparto grass
In closing, the Weqaa Center reassured citizens and residents that the plant poses no direct health risks to humans. However, the center emphasized that its negative repercussions severely impact biodiversity and vegetation cover, which is a natural heritage that must be preserved. The center issued an open invitation to farmers, those interested in the agricultural sector, and nature enthusiasts to join forces and immediately report any locations where the invasive esparto grass, in support of the approved monitoring and follow-up programs implemented by the relevant authorities to protect the Kingdom's environment.
