ULRIKA - Invasive arable weeds

The changing climate is enabling southern weeds to thrive in northern regions. New noxious weeds have spread to Finland, requiring measures to prevent their spread and develop control measures. This project investigates the spread routes of new noxious weed species to Finland, their distribution and control methods. The spread routes are investigated using seed inspection data and genetic analyses. The distribution is investigated in cooperation with advisors and observations collected from farmers. Control methods are investigated using field trials, where the target species are Echinochloa crus-galli and Solanaceae.

In the project, the National Land Survey of Finland focuses on developing drone-based mapping of Echinochloa crus-galli so that control methods can be targeted effectively. The project produces knowledge that can also be utilized in the management of other noxious weed species. The project is lead by the Natural Resources Institute Finland and the partners are the National Land Survey of Finland, the Finnish Food Authority and Nylands Svenska Lantbrukssällskap (NSL).