Concern about Japanese Knotweed highlights importance of glyphosate
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There has been discussion in the news recently about the best way to tackle and dispose of Japanese knotweed. This follows a study by the University of Exeter’s Environment and Sustainability Unit which found a range of conflicting and confusing online advice about control and disposal of this invasive species.
It is widely accepted that glyphosate is the most effective method of chemical control available to the home gardener for controlling Japanese knotweed. The European Commission has recently granted an 18 month extension to the licence of glyphosate following the failure of Member States to re-licence the active ingredient for the full 15 year period, despite it receiving a clean bill of health from European regulators.
Gary Philpotts, Chair of the Common Sense Gardening Group said: “Gardeners that find Japanese knotweed in their gardeners will rightly be concerned about this rapidly spreading perennial weed, however, it can be controlled with approved glyphosate products available at garden centres and DIY stores. You will need to be patient as it can take up to three to four seasons to be eradicated.
“It is estimated that Japanese knotweed costs around £165 million to control in the UK, this highlights how important glyphosate is and how removal of this crucial tool would make control even more difficult and costly.
“The indecision of Member States and the need for an 18 month extension demonstrates how politicised the regulatory process has become at the EU level. Hopefully this 18 month extension will provide an opportunity for common sense and scientific evidence to prevail. Failure to re-licence glyphosate for the full 15 year term would be contrary to the science and remove a key tool which helps gardeners deal with a range of weed pressures, including Japanese knotweed.”
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