Community consequences of introducing a biological control agent
Lead Research Organisation:
CAB International
Department Name: International Development (UK)
Abstract
In the UK, and much of Europe and the rest of the world, invasive weeds are destroying natural habitats through exclusion of native species, reduction of biodiversity, and removal of ecosystem services. Some invasive weeds even damage the groundwork of buildings, causing structural problems. The costs to the UK economy alone totals almost £2billion per year highlighting them as key targets for control or removal. Efforts to control these weeds is also problematic and expensive, partly due to lack of control measures and partly because of the vigorous nature of the plant spread and deep-rooted establishment of the plants. One of these problem plants is Impatiens glandulifera (Himalayan Balsam), which is now the most commonly occurring non-native plant species on riparian (riverside) systems in England and Wales. The plant severely reduces native plant and insect biodiversity and is expensive and difficult to control, because herbicides cannot be used near water courses. Balsam plants die off in winter, leaving exposed areas susceptible to erosion, while summer populations choke water courses, increasing the likelihood of flooding.
DEFRA selected Balsam as target weed for biological control, emphasising the importance of this research. In July 2014, CABI received Ministerial approval to release the rust fungus Puccinia komarovii var. glanduliferae, a pathogen of Himalayan Balsam found in Pakistan and India, at trial sites in the UK. This is the first approved release of a non-native fungal pathogen anywhere in Europe. It therefore provides a unique opportunity to determine the impact of the rust release on the plant and the communities it has invaded. It is important not just to examine what factors affect the efficacy of the rust in the field, but also how native plant communities recover as weed populations decline. This proposal is a joint one involving CABI, Royal Holloway, University of London and the University of Reading. Together, we will monitor rust release, determine the factors that affect its establishment in the field and discover how invaded communities recover after balsam removal. We will conduct this research alongside DEFRA, who have pledged money to monitor rust release.
We will carry out a series of experiments to examine the impact of soil-dwelling beneficial fungi (termed arbuscular mycorrhizas) on rust infection. Mycorrhizas provide plants with essential nutrients and some species are known to increase susceptibility to foliar pathogens. We will also examine the foliar tissues of balsam plants, as these also contain fungi (termed endophytes). New research is emerging to suggest that microbes living on plant surfaces and inside plants could have anti-microbial effects on potential invading pathogens. It is critical to determine whether we can manipulate the plant's growth conditions to maximise the efficiency of the rust, either through encouraging microbes that help the rust or removing conditions for detrimental microbes.
This is a unique opportunity to discover how the native plant, insect and soil microbial communities start to recover after weed removal. Biocontrol is usually about reducing the health or performance of target organisms and to date it has generally been assumed that a native, diverse community will readily establish. However, we know that balsam somehow alters the soil to severely reduce growth of other plants. Thus, a key outcome of the study will be to determine how we can use beneficial microbes to allow native plants to recolonise. A particularly exciting part is that the mycorrhizal fungi which we hope to use to aid rust efficacy also have the potential to help native plants to grow, thus we will be able to develop a unique, double-headed strategy to have a genuine impact on the control of this weed.
DEFRA selected Balsam as target weed for biological control, emphasising the importance of this research. In July 2014, CABI received Ministerial approval to release the rust fungus Puccinia komarovii var. glanduliferae, a pathogen of Himalayan Balsam found in Pakistan and India, at trial sites in the UK. This is the first approved release of a non-native fungal pathogen anywhere in Europe. It therefore provides a unique opportunity to determine the impact of the rust release on the plant and the communities it has invaded. It is important not just to examine what factors affect the efficacy of the rust in the field, but also how native plant communities recover as weed populations decline. This proposal is a joint one involving CABI, Royal Holloway, University of London and the University of Reading. Together, we will monitor rust release, determine the factors that affect its establishment in the field and discover how invaded communities recover after balsam removal. We will conduct this research alongside DEFRA, who have pledged money to monitor rust release.
We will carry out a series of experiments to examine the impact of soil-dwelling beneficial fungi (termed arbuscular mycorrhizas) on rust infection. Mycorrhizas provide plants with essential nutrients and some species are known to increase susceptibility to foliar pathogens. We will also examine the foliar tissues of balsam plants, as these also contain fungi (termed endophytes). New research is emerging to suggest that microbes living on plant surfaces and inside plants could have anti-microbial effects on potential invading pathogens. It is critical to determine whether we can manipulate the plant's growth conditions to maximise the efficiency of the rust, either through encouraging microbes that help the rust or removing conditions for detrimental microbes.
This is a unique opportunity to discover how the native plant, insect and soil microbial communities start to recover after weed removal. Biocontrol is usually about reducing the health or performance of target organisms and to date it has generally been assumed that a native, diverse community will readily establish. However, we know that balsam somehow alters the soil to severely reduce growth of other plants. Thus, a key outcome of the study will be to determine how we can use beneficial microbes to allow native plants to recolonise. A particularly exciting part is that the mycorrhizal fungi which we hope to use to aid rust efficacy also have the potential to help native plants to grow, thus we will be able to develop a unique, double-headed strategy to have a genuine impact on the control of this weed.
Planned Impact
The aim of our research is to investigate the outcome of the interaction of the non-native fungal rust pathogen with its host Himalayan Balsam in UK invasion sites. Our two ultimate goals are to determine if there are growth conditions we can manipulate to help the efficiency of the rust infection; and to determine if the rust application will help to restore natural community structure and function. This proposal fits within the NERC strategic priority of Living With Environmental Change in the Tree Health and Plant Biosecurity Initiative mode as it focuses on a serious problem of invasive weed biology in the UK, which can have dramatic consequences on ecosystem structure and function. Furthermore and from a human perspective, it addresses national economic issues through loss of ecosystem services and expense to control the weed. A number of groups aside from academics will also benefit from this work.
1. Engaging with industrial stakeholders. The private sector could benefit through the commercialisation of (1) beneficial microbe products discovered from the experiments and (2) through the development of ecosystem health monitoring technology. Point (1) has commercial potential, because we may either find root colonising fungi or bacteria that have a detrimental effect on the balsam. These may weaken the plant to enhance infection or we may find synergist foliar microbes that enhance the efficacy of the rust. Point (2) could also be developed with industry partners through development of a monitoring system e.g. an ELISA or PCR-based method to identify the presence or absence of community health markers.
2. Engaging with governmental organisations and policy makers. Government organisations and policy makers will benefit by having more detailed information on the efficacy and safety of the non-native rust fungus in the UK environment. This will not only benefit the national agenda for controlling invasive weeds, but could potentially also help inform practice and policy for biocontrol of invasive pests and pathogens. CABI already has excellent government connections that will help to disseminate information from the experiments as it becomes available.
3. Public engagement. The public will ultimately benefit through recovery of riparian ecosystems and restoration of native species. If the rust is successful in controlling the weed, then taxpayers will benefit through downgrading of weed control measures provided by councils. The public will also benefit from our outreach programmes, which will present the data that we generate, highlight the impact of weed invasion on ecosystem functioning, and show that UK science is responding to the public need to develop innovative control measures.
4. Training opportunities. The researchers will benefit from the research in terms of developing generic career skills, through the extensive staff development programmes in each of the three institutions. For example, training will be provided in presentations to both the scientific community and the public, preparation of manuscripts and grant applications, student supervision and participation in public engagement events. The PDRAs will be expected to participate in the 'Programme in Skills of Teaching to Inspire Learning' at each institution. Furthermore, each member of staff will receive scientific training at the leading edge of the discipline. The PDRA at RHUL will be trained in advanced mycological isolation methods and manipulation of the plant microbiome. Liaison with other mycologists at CABI will be invaluable here. The PDRA at Reading will be trained in next generation sequencing technology and the analysis of large data sets. The researcher at CABI will be trained in insect identification and the preservation and archiving of specimen data (insect and fungal). All three will receive training in experimental design and analysis.
1. Engaging with industrial stakeholders. The private sector could benefit through the commercialisation of (1) beneficial microbe products discovered from the experiments and (2) through the development of ecosystem health monitoring technology. Point (1) has commercial potential, because we may either find root colonising fungi or bacteria that have a detrimental effect on the balsam. These may weaken the plant to enhance infection or we may find synergist foliar microbes that enhance the efficacy of the rust. Point (2) could also be developed with industry partners through development of a monitoring system e.g. an ELISA or PCR-based method to identify the presence or absence of community health markers.
2. Engaging with governmental organisations and policy makers. Government organisations and policy makers will benefit by having more detailed information on the efficacy and safety of the non-native rust fungus in the UK environment. This will not only benefit the national agenda for controlling invasive weeds, but could potentially also help inform practice and policy for biocontrol of invasive pests and pathogens. CABI already has excellent government connections that will help to disseminate information from the experiments as it becomes available.
3. Public engagement. The public will ultimately benefit through recovery of riparian ecosystems and restoration of native species. If the rust is successful in controlling the weed, then taxpayers will benefit through downgrading of weed control measures provided by councils. The public will also benefit from our outreach programmes, which will present the data that we generate, highlight the impact of weed invasion on ecosystem functioning, and show that UK science is responding to the public need to develop innovative control measures.
4. Training opportunities. The researchers will benefit from the research in terms of developing generic career skills, through the extensive staff development programmes in each of the three institutions. For example, training will be provided in presentations to both the scientific community and the public, preparation of manuscripts and grant applications, student supervision and participation in public engagement events. The PDRAs will be expected to participate in the 'Programme in Skills of Teaching to Inspire Learning' at each institution. Furthermore, each member of staff will receive scientific training at the leading edge of the discipline. The PDRA at RHUL will be trained in advanced mycological isolation methods and manipulation of the plant microbiome. Liaison with other mycologists at CABI will be invaluable here. The PDRA at Reading will be trained in next generation sequencing technology and the analysis of large data sets. The researcher at CABI will be trained in insect identification and the preservation and archiving of specimen data (insect and fungal). All three will receive training in experimental design and analysis.
Publications
Wood S
(2020)
Rapid impact of Impatiens glandulifera control on above- and belowground invertebrate communities
in Weed Research
Varia S
(2016)
Implementing a Novel Weed Management Approach for Himalayan Balsam: Progress on Biological Control in the UK
in Outlooks on Pest Management
Shaw R
(2017)
Weed biological control in the European Union: from serendipity to strategy
in BioControl
Gange AC
(2018)
The threat of invasive species to biodiversity: Biological control of Himalayan balsam
in Open Access Government
Gange A
(2017)
Community consequences of introducing a biological control agent, NERC
in Impact
Currie A
(2019)
Endophytic fungi in the invasive weed Impatiens glandulifera : a barrier to classical biological control?
in Weed Research
Description | 1. That populations of Himalayan balsam in the UK differ in their susceptibility to the pathogenic fungus that has been released as a biological control agent. 2. That infection of leaves by non-pathogenic fungi dramatically reduces the populations of other fungi in the roots. 3. These findings clearly show that there are strong interactions between the fungi within the plant, upholding our original hypotheses and making our objectives viable. 4. That the biological control agent's efficacy is affected by the presence of other fungi, in roots and shoots. 5. Aboveground invertebrate abundance increases with the mechanical removal of I. glandulifera, and several invertebrate groups showed signs of recovery within one growing season. 6. Biological control did not affect aboveground invertebrate abundance but resulted in large increases in populations of belowground Collembola. 7. Biological control of Himalayan Balsam with P. komarovii var. glanduliferae has the potential to benefit native invertebrate communities. |
Exploitation Route | These findings will help to inform land managers when selecting biological control programme in the future. With further research, we will be able to tailor the programme to particular sites, enhancing the chances of success. Ultimately, this will result in more cost-effective management along transport systems (e.g. railways) and waterways, reducing the risk of flooding. |
Sectors | Agriculture Food and Drink Environment Leisure Activities including Sports Recreation and Tourism Government Democracy and Justice Transport |
URL | https://himalayanbalsam.cabi.org/ |
Description | The project has supported numerous awareness raising events on invasive species and influences government policy |
First Year Of Impact | 2014 |
Sector | Agriculture, Food and Drink,Environment,Leisure Activities, including Sports, Recreation and Tourism,Government, Democracy and Justice,Transport |
Impact Types | Economic Policy & public services |
Description | Influence on practice at Gatwick airport |
Geographic Reach | Local/Municipal/Regional |
Policy Influence Type | Influenced training of practitioners or researchers |
Description | Technical adviser on EU LIFE funded RAPID (Reducing And Preventing Invasive alien species Dispersal) 2017-18 |
Geographic Reach | National |
Policy Influence Type | Influenced training of practitioners or researchers |
Impact | CABI have provided Himalayan balsam rust for release at approximately 25 sites across England. This also includes training of contractors; collation of data and reporting |
Description | Bannister Trust |
Amount | £30,000 (GBP) |
Organisation | Warwickshire Wildlife Trust |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 01/2018 |
End | 12/2019 |
Description | Biocontrol release programme for the control of aquatic and riparian invasive non-native plants in England: Himalayan balsam |
Amount | £20,000 (GBP) |
Organisation | Natural England |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 03/2017 |
End | 03/2018 |
Description | Biological Control project |
Amount | £14,000 (GBP) |
Organisation | Coal Authority |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 01/2019 |
End | 12/2020 |
Description | DEFRA Biocontrol of Water Framework Directive Weeds |
Amount | £100,000 (GBP) |
Organisation | Department For Environment, Food And Rural Affairs (DEFRA) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 03/2017 |
End | 03/2020 |
Description | DEFRA biological control / Natural England for rust release |
Amount | £20,000 (GBP) |
Organisation | Department For Environment, Food And Rural Affairs (DEFRA) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 06/2016 |
End | 07/2017 |
Description | Implementation of a classical biological control strategy for Himalayan balsam using a rust fungus |
Amount | £9,000 (GBP) |
Organisation | Environment Agency |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 08/2017 |
End | 08/2018 |
Description | Natural Resources Wales |
Amount | £14,000 (GBP) |
Organisation | Department For Environment, Food And Rural Affairs (DEFRA) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 01/2018 |
End | 12/2019 |
Description | Water Environment grant |
Amount | £35,000 (GBP) |
Organisation | Natural England |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 01/2018 |
End | 12/2019 |
Description | Work with ICAR |
Organisation | Indian Council of Agricultural Research |
Country | India |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
PI Contribution | We are working with the ICAR Institutes to export of new isolates of rust from Indian Himalayas, following procedure required by the Access and Benefit Sharing under the CBD Nagoya Protocol. |
Collaborator Contribution | Provision of fungal isolates and allowance for exportation |
Impact | None to date |
Start Year | 2017 |
Description | Work with Tame Valley Wetlands Trust |
Organisation | Warwickshire Wildlife Trust |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
PI Contribution | release of the rut fungus into field sites |
Collaborator Contribution | Monitoring of rust spread in field populations of balsam |
Impact | None to date |
Start Year | 2017 |
Description | Work with local action groups and land managers |
Organisation | Gatwick Airport Limited |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Private |
PI Contribution | CABI have provided the biological control agent (rust fungus) to Local Action groups and land managers at the above two airports. |
Collaborator Contribution | They have used the fungus in a weed management programme and have monitored its spread |
Impact | Data for spread of the rust fungus in different populations |
Start Year | 2017 |
Description | Work with local action groups and land managers |
Organisation | Heathrow Airport Holdings |
Department | London Heathrow Airport |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Private |
PI Contribution | CABI have provided the biological control agent (rust fungus) to Local Action groups and land managers at the above two airports. |
Collaborator Contribution | They have used the fungus in a weed management programme and have monitored its spread |
Impact | Data for spread of the rust fungus in different populations |
Start Year | 2017 |
Description | A stand at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, entitled Finding natural solutions to invasive plant problems |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | CABI coordinated a stand at the Chelsea Flower Show, part of which featured the NERC-sponsored project on biological control of Himalayan balsam. The event ran from May 22-27 and was covered in press (Horticultural Week Daily Telegraph) and TV (BBC Newsroom South East, Mon May 22). The stand won a GOLD MEDAL and led to many subsequent inquiries and offers of land and help for the project. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
Description | An article for Rivers Trust newsletter, entitled Stranger in a strange land |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A magazine, newsletter or online publication |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | An article entitled Stranger in a strange land, detailed the biological control of Himalayan balsam along river banks in the UK. It was published by the Ouse & Adur Rivers Trust's magazine, read by general public, as well as Environment Agency and river managers |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
Description | An outreach talk at a volunteer conference in Norfolk (Little Ouse Headwaters Project Volunteer Conference), 4th December, on biocontrol of invasive weeds in the UK |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Other audiences |
Results and Impact | A presentation given by Suzy Wood with the Title: Biocontrol of invasive weeds in the UK |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
Description | Appearance on BBC Countryfile |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press) |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | As part of a feature exploring invasive plants and the potential for a natural solution for their control, the BBC came to film at CABI and at one of our field sites. The final piece described Himalayan balsam and why it is such a nuisance and then described our research on the rust fungus. The footage was aired on BBC1 and BBC 2. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
Description | Benefits and risks of biological control |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | A talk on the benefits, risks and safety aspects of biological control to school students |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
Description | Biocontrol in the UK: finding natural solutions to invasive plant problems |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Talk by Suzy Wood at the Yorkshire Naturalist's Union, April 7th 2018 |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
Description | Biological control of Himalayan balsam |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
Results and Impact | Poster at the Royal Horticultural Society's postgraduate symposium, Nov 13th 2018 |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
Description | Biological control of invasive weeds: progress and potential in the UK |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Talk by Suzy Wood at the River Colne Catchment Area Network (ColneCAN) Conference, 30th December 2018 |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
Description | Djeddour, D., Seier, M., Varia, S. Ellison, E., Pollard, K. Pratt, C. and Kurose, D. (2020) Biological control for managing invasive species. 19th May 2020, Non Native Invasive Species Workshops for stakeholders, UK. |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | This was a presentation given at the annual workshop on non-native species. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
Description | Djeddour, D., Seier, M., Varia, S. Ellison, E., Pollard, K., Pratt, C. and Kurose, D. (2020). Biological control for managing invasive species. 20th May 2020, Non-Native Invasive Species Workshops for contractors, UK. |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | This was a presentation given at the annual workshop for practitioners controlling invasive alien species. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
Description | Ecological effects of introducing a rust fungus to control Impatiens glandulifera in the UK |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Other audiences |
Results and Impact | Talk by Suzy Wood at our workshop |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
Description | Ellison, C.A. and Pollard, K.M., (2019) Release of a rust fungus for the classical biological control of Himalayan balsam in the UK: problems and progress. 9th January 2019, NERC Himalayan balsam Workshop, Royal Holloway University, UK. |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | NERC Himalayan balsam Workshop, Royal Holloway University, UK. This was the international end of project with European stakeholder presenting their current research on Himalayan Balsam. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
Description | Himalayan balsam: can biological control with a rust fungus bring an end to 'balsam bashing'? Presentation at Reading and District Natural History Society, 4th February 2020. |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | A regular meeting of the Reading and District Natural History Society |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
Description | Implementing a novel weed management approach for Himalayan balsam: progress on biological control in the UK |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Talk by C Ellison to the Earley Environmental Group, Reading |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
Description | Pollard, K. The Biological Control of Himalayan Balsam. 16th November, Scottish Honey Bee Heath Strategy Meeting, UK |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | This was a presentation given to bee keepers in Scotland. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
Description | Pollard, K. The Biological Control of Himalayan Balsam. 9th December, Scottish Bee Keepers Asscociation, UK |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | This was a second presentation given to beekeepers in Scotland |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
Description | Pratt, C., Djeddour, D., Varia, S., Kurose, D., Ellison, C., Pollard, K. and Seier, M. (2020) Biological control of invasive non-native species: RAPID LIFE and current UK research. Invasive non-native species and weed biocontrol workshop, Medway Valley Countryside Partnership and RAPID LIFE. 27th February 2020, Kent, UK |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | A presentation given during the workshop on Biological control of invasive non-native species. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
Description | Presentation at South East INNS (Invasive non-native species) Forum |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
Results and Impact | A talk on biological control of invasive plants in general, which featured the Himalayan control project. Participants came forth afterwards with offers of help and field sites. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
Description | Release of a rust fungus for the classical biological control of Himalayan balsam in the UK: problems and progress |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Other audiences |
Results and Impact | Carol Ellison gave a talk at our workshop |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
Description | Restoration after rust: how are native communities responding to Himalayan balsam biocontrol, and can we improve their recovery? |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Other audiences |
Results and Impact | S Wood presented a poster at the XV International Symposium on Biological Control of Weeds 26-31 August 2018, Engelberg, Switzerland |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
Description | Searching for host-pathogen compatibility; how cpDNA analysis can aid successful classical biological control of Impatiens glandulifera |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Other audiences |
Results and Impact | poster by C Ellison at the XV International Symposium on Biological Control of Weeds 26-31 August 2018, Engelberg, Switzerland |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
Description | Slot on BBC Gardener's World, 29 Sep 2017 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press) |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | The feature was entitled: Nick Bailey investigates a brand new way of combating Himalayan balsam. It was seen by a large public audience and brought forth many inquiries for further information and generated considerable interest in the subject area and the project. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
Description | Varia, S. (2020) The biological control of Himalayan balsam in the UK, 27th October Groundwork River Ranger Workshop, UK |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | This was a presentation given about the biological control of Himalayan balsam in the UK. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
Description | Weed management in waterways |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | talk at the meeting entitled 'Water voles and non-native invasive species conference', 10th November organised by Affinity Water. An update on the progress of our project and the release of the rust fungus. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |