Description
Book SynopsisThe Giant Hogweed Heracleum mantegazzianum is a pernicious invasive species, with significant impact on human health due to its phytoxic sap. From its native area, the Caucasus, it has spread across Europe creating serious environmental and health problems. This book, the output of a three-year EU project involving 40 European experts, is an authoritative compendium of current knowledge on this amazing invasive plant and will facilitate improved management. It is an invaluable resource for both practitioner and student, and covers topics including taxonomy, genetics, reproduction, population ecology, and invasion dynamics. It also reviews the possibilities of mechanical, chemical and biological control.
Table of Contents1: Taxonomy, Identification, Genetic Relationships and Distribution of Large Heracleum Species in Europe 2: Heracleum mantegazzianum in its Primary Distribution Range of the Western Greater Caucasus 3: Historical Dynamics of Heracleum mantegazzianum Invasion at Regional and Local Scales 4: Reproductive Ecology of Heracleum mantegazzianum 5: Seed Germination, Dispersal and Seed Bank in Heracleum mantegazzianum 6: Population Dynamics of Heracleum mantegazzianum 7: Regeneration Ability of Heracleum mantegazzianum and Implications for Control 8: Ecological Needs, Habitat Preferences and Plant Communities Invaded by Heracleum mantegazzianum 9: Impact of Heracleum mantegazzianum on Invaded Vegetation and Human Activities 10: Seed Ecology of Heracleum mantegazzianum and H. sosnowskyi, Two Invasive Species with Different Distributions in Europe 11: Herbivorous Arthropods on Heracleum mantegazzianum in its Native and Invaded Distribution Range 12: Fungal Pathogens Associated with Heracleum mantegazzianum in its Native and Invaded Distribution Range 13: Defence Systems of Heracleum mantegazzianum 14: Mechanical and Chemical Control of Heracleum mantegazzianum and H. sosnowskyi 15: Control of Heracleum mantegazzianum by Grazing 16: The Scope for Biological Control of Giant Hogweed, Heracleum mantegazzianum 17: Revegetation as a Part of an Integrated Management Strategy for Large Heracleum species 18: Model-assisted Evaluation of Control Strategies for Heracleum mantegazzianum 19: Master of All Traits: Can We Successfully Fight Giant Hogweed?
