2015_05_26_CIE_hierba_pampa

Experts from the University of Navarra have warned about the importance of eliminating specimens of the "Pampa grass", a plant species frequent in the gardens of the Autonomous Community of Navarra.

According to Enrique Baquero, professor of the School of Sciences and director of the Master's Degree in Biodiversity, Landscapes and Sustainable management , this species, which is classified as one of the 100 most dangerous according to the "project DAISIE" of the European Commission, has already meant the investment of thousands of euros in neighboring communities to try to eliminate it and its consequences on native biodiversity.

The reasons for its danger are, among others,"the great issue of seeds it produces, its resistance to drought, its skill with plants in wet soils and its tolerance to high light intensity, harsh winters and high summer temperatures". "It is a true survivor. It modifies the landscape and competes with the native species of the ecosystems it invades, modifying the availability of water resources," added the biologist.

Eliminated in the campus

Another of the most conflictive aspects of the "Pampas grass", which looks like feathery reeds between 1 and 3 meters high, is the difficulty of controlling it. "It is sensitive to glyphosate, but this chemical has just been defined as very dangerous for people's health; and its large size makes it necessary to use heavy machinery to pull it up. Hence the importance of catching it in time."

Although this species is subject to limitations in other autonomous communities, it is not yet prohibited in the Comunidad Foral, however, the University of Navarra decided to eliminate it following the committee of the experts who insist on "the need to act against it before it is too late".