Warnings and precautions against the invasive grass, Elderflower, and methods of controlling it

The National Center for Plant Pest and Animal Disease Prevention (Wiqa’) a strong warning to farmers and environmentalists about the rapid and dangerous spread of the invasive weed, Elms grass, in several regions of Saudi Arabia. The center called for concerted efforts and the implementation of comprehensive and rigorous control measures to protect vegetation and the agricultural environment from the severe environmental and economic damage caused by this weed.

The global and local context of the dangers of the esparto grass

The weed *Imperata cylindrica* is globally recognized as one of the worst invasive weeds on Earth. Historically, it has colonized vast areas across different continents, causing significant damage to agricultural sectors. Its danger lies in its remarkable ability to adapt to diverse climatic conditions and its fierce competition with native plants and crops for water and nutrients, posing a major challenge in arid and semi-arid environments.

At the local level, the warning from the Weqaa Center coincides with major national efforts represented by the Saudi Green Initiative and the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, which aim to increase green spaces and combat desertification. The spread of invasive species such as esparto grass directly threatens these efforts, as it destroys local biodiversity and hinders the growth of native plants.

Plant characteristics and its destructive spread mechanism

Experts at the "Waqaa" Center revealed that this perennial weed possesses biological characteristics that make it difficult to eradicate using traditional methods. It has creeping root stems (rhizomes) that extend deep beneath the soil surface, sharp-edged leaves, and a deceptively attractive appearance with silvery-white flower spikes.

The center explained that the danger of the plant is compounded by its dual propagation mechanism; it relies on the wind to carry its light seeds over vast distances, allowing it to settle new agricultural and wild areas with high density and in record time, forming something like a dense carpet that suffocates the plants beneath it.

Integrated control strategies and warnings against harmful practices

The center strongly warned against certain harmful agricultural practices, most notably indiscriminate tillage. Tillage breaks up root rhizomes into small pieces, each capable of growing into a new plant, leading to counterproductive results and a faster and wider spread of the weed in fertile land.

To curb this spread, "Wiqaa" recommended implementing a package of integrated control, which include:

• Mechanical control: This relies on early intervention to destroy plants before they reach the stage of flowering and full growth, through direct uprooting and continuous removal from the roots, with the need to repeat this process regularly to ensure the depletion of food stored in the roots.
• Chemical control: This is a parallel and crucial approach, relying on the use of specialized systemic herbicides, most notably glyphosate. This herbicide must be applied during periods of active plant growth to ensure the active ingredient reaches the roots and eradicates the herb completely.

Health and environmental impact and a call for community participation

In a related context, the National Center for Plant Pest Control reassured citizens and residents that the esparto grass poses no direct health risks or toxicity to human health. However, the center emphasized that its negative repercussions severely impact the ecological balance, as it destroys biodiversity and alters the nature of the local vegetation cover.

In closing, the Waqaa Center issued an urgent appeal to all farmers, farm owners, and those interested in the agricultural and environmental sectors, urging them to unite their efforts and immediately report any locations where this invasive plant is observed. This community cooperation is a fundamental pillar for supporting established monitoring and follow-up programs and facilitating rapid intervention by relevant authorities to protect the nation's agricultural and environmental resources.