Anti-ragweed smartphones 

Various monitoring and early reaction systems have already been invented, and even put into practice in Europe. In 2014, for instance, a smartphone application – which has now been abandoned due to its cost – allowed observers in the field who found a suspicious plant (ragweed can easily be confused, especially with wormwood) to quickly receive validation of its discovery by experienced botanists. In countries where ragweed already has the status of an invasive plant, brochures and leaflets have been handed out to farmers and naturalists. In Dijon, in France, a specialised observatory has even been set up (www.ambroisie.info). Preventing the needless transfer of seeds seems to be an effective preventive measure. Because the use of herbicides isn’t really recommended in farming or along waterways, above all, another of the species’ favourite dispersal routes. Mechanical cutting is also just as inefficient. Labour and equipment intensive, it often does nothing more than strengthen the plant in the long term, encouraging the dispersal of numerous seeds (up to 14,000 per individual in hot regions!). 

William Ortmans’ research, along with that of others, pleads in favour of a preventive policy, in places where it is still possible in Europe. This research will be presented to the scientific community in September at NEOBIOTA, a reference symposium on invasive plants. This will mark the official end of the Smarter(Sustainable Management of Ambrosia artemisiifolia in Europe) project, which is part of the European COST programme (bringing researchers together around a specific theme). If all goes well, this should lead to integrated ragweed management programmes on a European scale.