A major focus during his internship, for example, was to lay a foundation to facilitate future internships on the sensitive topic of invasive neophytes. Many hours were invested in monitoring and mapping these plants to establish a basis for long-term control measures. Particularly in nature reserves, on embankments, and near watercourses, the invasive neophytes were also professionally removed. Raising awareness among the local population about the enormous damage potential of these non-native plants was another important priority.
During the internship, the graduate of HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein focused specifically on the following invasive neophytes:
- Glandular balsam ( Impatiens glandulifera)
- Japanese knotweed ( Fallopia japonica)
- Canadian goldenrod ( Solidago canadensis)
- Giant goldenrod ( Solidago gigantea)
Using the “LOCUS-Map” app, Philipp Poier was able to record the GPS data of the populations and process it into meaningful distribution maps.
Measures on the northwest shore of Lake Altaussee and on a section of the Enns riverbank in the Gesäuse National Park were part of the activities to explore effective methods and the growth behavior of Japanese knotweed at different locations.
Monitoring at Lake Altaussee
In mid-July, mid-August, and early October, the intern team carried out root excavations directly on the shore of Lake Altaussee. This magnificent lake is a valuable local recreation area and a major tourist attraction. Unfortunately, the populations of Japanese knotweed (Fallopia japonica) found there, along the northeastern shore and the footpath, are now impossible to miss. This invasive neophyte has considerable destructive potential and is permanently transforming the shoreline into a monotonous strip of greenery. "Upon first inspecting the area, it became clear that the knotweed was introduced here through the dumping of contaminated soil. It finds ideal conditions for widespread proliferation and is displacing almost all native, site-typical plants."
Control measures are very complex, as the root systems penetrate deep into the soil and new plant parts constantly multiply from even a tiny root fragment, eventually overgrowing entire stretches of the shoreline. Due to its annual growth of over three meters (the above-ground plant material dies back from frost), visibility of the water is severely restricted in many places.
Iris Krijezi, a student from the Admont Gymnasium, interviewed local recreation seekers about invasive neophytes, specifically Japanese knotweed, sparking considerable interest in the topic among the local population. Krijezi completed a talent internship through the FFG (Austrian Research Promotion Agency) at Radio Freequenns, and her reporting received an award.
Monitoring in the Gesäuse National Park
At the end of July, a joint invasive plant removal project took place with the Gesäuse National Park and the HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein (Higher Federal Institute for Agricultural Education and Research). The team focused on an alluvial fan on the Enns River near the Finstergraben ravine in the core area of the national park, where strictly protected plants also occur. This area was selected as a reference site for the HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein's "Monitor Neophytes" project. The team received valuable support from interns in the Acquisitions department during this project as well. Rhizomes over three meters long were unearthed. A follow-up inspection in the autumn confirmed the success of the work. While removing the underground plant line is effective, the site still requires annual maintenance.
