A preventative strategy in combating the invasive plant to protect agriculture
The National Center for Plant Pest and Animal Disease Prevention and Control (Wiqa’) has launched a comprehensive awareness and guidance campaign targeting farmers across Saudi Arabia. This initiative is part of ongoing efforts to combat the weedknown as "al-Lasiq," a pest that threatens crop health and negatively impacts agricultural production. The campaign aims to provide effective scientific and practical strategies to curb the spread of this harmful weed.
History of agricultural pests and their impact on the local environment
Over the decades, the agricultural sector in Saudi Arabia and the wider region has faced persistent challenges from the spread of weeds and plant pests adapted to harsh climatic conditions. Invasive and endemic weeds are among the biggest threats, competing with economic crops for water and soil nutrients. In this context, the importance of early monitoring programs adopted by relevant authorities becomes clear. One such weed is *Lassik*, classified as an annual with upright, spreading growth. This plant is characterized by slender stems and a cylindrical spike-like inflorescence with sticky hairs, enabling it to cling to objects and disperse its seeds with high efficiency in agricultural and pastoral environments.
Why is controlling the glue plant a top priority?
The “Wiqa” Center explained that the real danger of this plant lies in the rapid spread of its seeds, which adhere to animal fur and human clothing, as well as their transmission via harvesting equipment and agricultural machinery to widely separated agricultural areas. This rapid spread not only reduces field productivity but also affects the health of livestock, which may be harmed by the sticky thorns while grazing, making swift intervention imperative to protect the agricultural and environmental systems.
Methods and strategies for pest control
The “Wiqaa” Center highlighted the importance of handling this soil-bound plant with caution, suggesting mechanical control through manual uprooting or deep plowing before the flowering season to prevent seed formation. In addition, the center emphasized the role of chemical intervention as an effective solution using approved and environmentally safe herbicides such as Nicosulfuron and Glyphosate. The center stressed that timing is crucial for successful control, emphasizing the need to spray herbicides in the early stages of plant growth to ensure eradication and achieve optimal field results at the lowest possible cost.
The economic and nutritional dimensions of agricultural security
The importance of these awareness campaigns extends beyond protecting specific fields; it encompasses strategic dimensions related to local and regional food security. By controlling plant pests, the Kingdom ensures the sustainability of agricultural production and reduces crop losses, aligning with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 for achieving sustainable agricultural development. The center warned of the growing spread of this pest, urging farmers to conduct regular and continuous field monitoring and implement necessary preventative measures. The combined efforts of government agencies and farmers positively impact the protection and improvement of agricultural productivity, thereby strengthening the stability of local markets and supporting the national economy in the face of global environmental challenges.
