Technical
As summer arrives, the workload for groundsmen increases, and Ragwort control is one tedious, but necessary task for many. Monsanto’s Manda Sansom looks at the options for tackling this injurious weed
on open spaces with its yellow flowers in early summer. It is of particular concern since it is scheduled as an injurious weed under the 1959 Weeds Act. Landowners have a legal obligation to
C
prevent the spread of Common Ragwort. This Act was amended in 2003 to enforce adherence to the Ragwort Code of Practice. Defra can take enforcement action where Ragwort poses a high risk to horses, the production of forage or agricultural activities, so groundsmen and greenkeepers, especially in rural areas, need to keep a special eye out for it.
The Code of Practice places the onus of
responsibility for landowners and managers including Local Authorities, railways, Highways Agency etc. to have Ragwort Control Policies in place. They should assess the risk on land that
they own and implement control policies on any identified as medium risk. Immediate action should be taken on any land identified as being high risk. Failure to follow the code may be used in evidence in prosecution under the Weeds Act. Copies of the code can be downloaded from the DEFRA website: http//:
defra.gov.uk/rural/horses/topics/ragw ort.htm
NB: The Ragwort Code of Practice does not
apply to any other species of Ragwort. Identifying the enemy
Common Ragwort
Stinking Nanny!
134 I PC JUNE/JULY 2014
Common Ragwort (Senecio Jacobaea) has a one metre long stem carrying multiple yellow, daisy-like flowers and leaves of a pinnate, ragged appearance. There is a further species known as Oxford
Ragwort (Senecio squalidus) which is thought to have escaped from the Oxford Botanic Gardens in the 18th Century and is shorter than the Common Ragwort at only a third of a metre in height. This species tends to colonise waste ground and railway embankments. Ragwort is poisonous to cattle and horses
as a growing plant when conserved in hay or silage, or when dying after cutting or spraying. The poison is an alkaloid, which accumulates in the liver and, though only small amounts may be consumed at a time, the effects may ultimately be fatal. Dead or dying plants become palatable to
stock, whereas live ragwort is not eaten, so stock exclusion is particularly important
ommon Ragwort, or Stinking Nanny as it is sometimes known, can be a major headache for amenity managers, carpeting neglected corners and popping up
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