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In the first of a new series on weeds that may trouble groundsmen and amenity managers, Monsanto Technical Manager Manda Sansom looks at Himalayan Balsam
HIMALAYAN Balsam (Impatiens glandulifera) is native to the Western Himalayas and, since its introduction in 1839, has spread throughout the British Isles.
It is the tallest annual plant found in the British Isles, growing to more than 2-3 metres in height. Himalayan Balsam tolerates low light levels and also shades out other vegetation, so gradually impoverishing habitats by killing off other plants.
Each plant can produce 800 seeds, which are released explosively from the seed pods, travelling distances of up to seven metres. The seeds, which are also transported by water, can remain viable for up to two years. Hence, Himalayan Balsam has rapidly colonised river banks, excluding native species by competition.
nd DENNIS mowers
Colonisation of riparian areas can cause a deterioration of ecological status under the Water Framework Directive, and the UK’s Biodiversity Action Plan lists the species as an invasive alien, so many areas have now introduced eradication policies.
The Impatiens family is widely known by the cultivated species, often known as Bizzie Lizzies. This is their big brother!
Identifying the enemy
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Stems are pinky red, hollow, sappy, brittle and jointed. Branches arise from the stem joints. Leaves are lanceolate (shaped like a lance) with serrated edges, stalked, shiny, dark green with a reddish midrib. Leaves can be 150mm long and are arranged opposite each other or in whorls of three.
Flowers are purplish pink to pale pink or, rarely, white. They are shaped like a policeman’s helmet and carried on long stalks in June to October.
Seeds are 4-7mm in size, turning from white to dark brown or black and carried up to 16 per pod.
Going into battle
As the plant is an annual, control methods hinge on the prevention of seeding.
Cutting to ground level before the end of June with a scythe or machete can prevent seed shed, but cutting too early or pulling up whole plants can result in re- growth of flower heads with an even greater number of seeds! Conservation groups often employ ‘armies’ of volunteers to help with cutting down.
Chemical control needs Environment Agency approval in aquatic situations.
Control using herbicide
Spraying with Roundup Pro Biactive will give excellent control. The formulation is the safest to use near water and carries no irritant symbol on the can, so is safe to operators, animals and the environment.
Many sites are dominated by thick stands of Himalayan Balsam, so collateral damage to surrounding vegetation is not an issue.
However, spot spraying or weed-wiping can be used to ensure this is minimised in mixed vegetation.
Sites should be monitored annually, for five to ten years, and re-treated to take account of newly emerged seedlings.
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