ISLANDERS have been encouraged to ‘take on the battle’ against Japanese knotweed by an invasive-species expert.
The plant has spread through water courses and streams across Jersey, according to Alastair Christie, who said that its removal takes approximately five years, if the correct pesticide is used.
Having evolved on volcanic slopes in Japan, knotweed is believed to have first arrived in the Island in the late 1800s.
Mr Christie said: ‘When people search Japanese knotweed on the internet, they are led to believe it’s going to eat their house. That is impossible. While it can be difficult to kill, it is not impossible.
‘I encourage people to take on the battle with knotweed. The battle can be won, but it will take time. The plant is a survivor.’
Mr Christie, the Island’s invasive-species co-ordinator, recommended using glyphosate – a broad-spectrum herbicide and plant desiccant – and called it the ‘safest systemic poison on the market’. He added: ‘There are very few tools in the armoury that can kill Japanese knotweed. Strimming it is a massive no-no.’
Mr Christie said he wanted to raise awareness about the weed, so that Islanders ‘can understand the monster they are dealing with’.
Knotweed can be found across the Island, with a large amount located in the surrounding area of Sorel Point motocross track, according to Mr Christie.
He added: ‘The best way to treat it is to be patient; now is the best time to treat it – after the plants have finished flowering.’
Find out more on the Government of Jersey website here
