“From our observations in the field we have calculated that giant hogweed and the Sosnowskyi variety have overtaken around 1200 hectares in Estonia,” explains Ivar Ojaste, the centre’s chief specialist in species conservation. “Not a lot was done to stop its spread and reduce its numbers in the country until 2003. Farmers did cut it down, but that has little effect on the plants. More focused control measures began to be taken in 2005.” The main measure used to control hogweed is a herbicide known as Roundup, and Ojaste says that this year it will be used again in those areas where work was done last year. Depending on resources and the prevailing conditions, the control measures will either involve hand-poisoning and digging or mechanical poisoning. In areas close to bodies of water, for example, the herbicide will not be used; the roots of the plants will instead be dug up. This year’s control area is to be extended to include a further couple of hundred hectares, bringing the total area to around 600 hectares. The spread of hogweed is taken into account when selecting colonies to be destroyed, which means that areas to which seeds may have been carried – flowing bodies of water, tracts of forest, highways and railways – will also be treated. 3.3 million kroons was allocated to hogweed control measures in 2006, with around one hundred contracts signed for the work to be carried out. This year that sum has increased to four million kroons, but this will not be enough to destroy all of the colonies. “Hogweed is a survivor, and we will only start to see results if the control measures are implemented on colonies for five years running,” Ojaste explains. Hogweed can be found all over Estonia, with the largest colonies in Viljandi and Harju Counties and others Tartu, Pärnu and Võru Counties and on Hiiumaa. Introduced to Estonia in the 1950s to promote agriculture and apiculture, the rapid growth and spread of hogweed now endangers species diversity, landscapes and people’s health. Those who come into contact with the plant may suffer from serious blistering. For further information please contact: Ivar Ojaste Chief Specialist, Species Conservation, State Nature Conservation Centre +372 627 2184, +372 521 5151 Agnes Jürgens Adviser, Public Relations Department, Ministry of the Environment +372 626 2811 |
