MeshTech Launch
Last week (18th June) saw the successful launch of our much anticipated new strategy for invasive weed control - ‘MeshTech’.
The launch took place at the Lowry Hotel in Manchester with guests from companies such as Network Rail, the Highways Agency, the Environment Agency and several Local Authorities.
After an initial introduction to Japanese Knotweed and the issues surrounding its management, the current strategies for control were discussed. The current eradication methods all involve either treatment with chemicals or various excavation techniques designed to reduce the volume of material taken offsite or buried.
The problem with both of these methodologies is that they often result in either re-growth of the plant or cross contamination - also neither strategy is ideal for use adjacent to rivers or open water.
The presentation went on to explain that for some time now Japanese Knotweed Solutions Ltd have been searching for the ‘Golden Bullet’ - the one stop treatment for invasive weeds that answers all the problems and resolves all the issues with knotweed management. Research has been carried out by Dr Eric Donnelly (R and D Dept. Japanese Knotweed Solutions Ltd) and a series of trial sites established in Scotland to demonstrate new ideas and new technology.
Using a series of self explanatory slides the various trial sites were shown to the audience. The result of the trials has shown that Japanese Knotweed can be encouraged to kill itself! The aggressive nature of the plant can actually be its down fall…!!
It was explained that previous mesh control strategies have tried to limit the growth by use of deterrent fabrics laid directly on the surface of the ground. This has proven ineffective as the plant simply carries on growing towards the edge of the material until it reaches the limit of the covering - then carries on…with no negative effect…
Japanese Knotweed is a rhizomatous perennial which powers its new growth from energy stores beneath the ground. Once it has reached its maximum height it begins to re-stock these food stores from the products of photosynthesis. If the plant can be prevented from reaching this critical height it cannot produce energy that can be stored.
The theory behind MeshTech is to encourage Japanese Knotweed to grow THROUGH the mesh - the height and size of the mesh being determined by the age of the plant and the height of the first nodule. The sizing and specific height of the mesh is covered under patent with the sole rights being with Japanese Knotweed Solutions Ltd.
Once growth has occurred through the mesh damage occurs to the stem via a series of processes including hydrostatic pressure, wind rock and physical damage caused by friction. The result is that the stems are severed and fall over - lying on the surface of the mesh - the plants immediate response to this is to send another shoot then another then another - all of which are severed and fall.
The result of this continued unfulfilled growth is the rapid depletion of the plants energy stores beneath the ground. Once the plants energy stores have been exhausted - the plant will die…..typically three to five years after initial application.
Added benefits were explained as including embankment retention and reduction in rhizome cross contamination as well as the obvious benefit of being a non chemical solution.
The audience were asked for questions at the end of the presentation at which time there were a series of specific points raised and a lively debate took place.
For further information on the uses and benefits of MeshTech call 0161 723 2000 quoting ‘MeshTech’.
