Abstract
Managing invasive exotic plant species is a complex challenge, especially for Asian knotweeds (Reynoutria spp.). Tarping is a regularly cited but poorly documented control method, which consists of covering the ground with a tarp (agricultural tarp, geotextile, geomembrane, etc.) to create a physical barrier to hinder plant growth and deprive the plants of light in order to deplete their rhizomatous reserves. To improve our knowledge of tarping in order to identify the key factors of its success or failure, we reviewed the relevant grey and scientific literature and conducted an international survey among managers to collect feedback on tarping experiments. In the literature, as well as in the field, practices are quite heterogeneous, and the method’s effectiveness is highly contrasted. A better consideration of knotweed biology may improve the efficacy of the method. Based on the bibliography and survey work, we propose practical recommendations including covering the entire stand, extending the tarping up to 2.5 m beyond its edges for a period of at least six years, and ensuring regular monitoring. Even though tarping does not seem to be a one-size-fits-all solution to eradicate knotweed, it could still be a useful control method once knotweed has become a critical management issue.
Highlights
The number of invasive alien plant species (IAS) is increasing worldwide mainly as a result of human activities [1]
The results from our review and questionnaire revealed a great heterogeneity among knotweed tarping practices, sometimes reflecting insufficient knowledge of knotweed’s biology and ecology
Through a review and the feedback collected via a questionnaire, we have shown that the available literature on tarping is mainly grey and that there is a great heterogeneity of practices in the field
Summary
The number of invasive alien plant species (IAS) is increasing worldwide mainly as a result of human activities [1]. Japanese knotweed s.l figures among the world’s 100 worst invasive alien species [20] and, as such, is a good example of the challenges faced by scientists and managers. Schmidt), and the hybrid of the two: the Bohemian knotweed Japanese and Giant knotweeds originated from Eastern Asia and were introduced into Europe in the 19th century, mainly as ornamental plants These invasive perennial geophytes [22] are widely naturalized in Europe, North America, Australia, New Zealand, Chile, and South Africa [23], where they form large monocultures, called “stands” or “patches”, in a wide variety of habitats. Ahesnokunr ofotwcuesedwrahsizoonmpeusraereinexsittruacttaerdpianngd, wtheendetalirbpeerdatoelny acnhootsheetrosietxe)claunddeoepxesraittuiotnasrpwinhegreoptheerastoioilniss (cir.ue.s,hwedhewnitkhnaotswtoeneedcrruhiszhoemr persioarretoextatrrpacintegd, aantedchthneiqnuteardpeevdeloonpeadnionthFerransictee)(cafn. [d47o]p).eWraetiorenasdwehacehresethleectseodildisoccurmusehnetdatwteinthtivaesltyoinne ocrduesrhetor spurimormtaortiazerptihnega, vaatielachblneiqreulevdaenvteilnofpoerdmiantiFornaonnceth(cef.m[4e7th])o. dW. eParertaidcuelacrhatstelnetcitoend wdoascupmaiedntoatthteenotbivjeclytivinesoprudresruteod,stuhme menavrizroentmheenatvsaoilfaubsle, rtehleevparnotoicnoflosrmfolaltoiownedo,nanthde tmheetehffiocda.cPyadrteisccurliabreadttbeynthioenawutahsoprsaidn otordtheretoobijdeectnitviefys tphuerksueyedfa, cthtoeresninvfliruoennmcienngtstaorfpuinsge, success or failure
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