Pampas grass is a plant that is growing out of control in public and private spaces along the coast, causing allergies and injuries to those who interact with it, warns a researcher specializing in weeds.
Speaking to the Lusa agency, biologist Hélia Marchante, professor at the Escola Superior Agrária de Coimbra (ESAC), argued that pampas grass has become an uncontrolled threat and a public health problem in Portugal, given its increased spread throughout the country and the ability to cause unseasonal allergies and skin cuts.
In fact, as it originates from the pampas – South American plains that stretch from the south of Brazil through Uruguay and Argentina -, that species of plant, whose scientific name is ‘cortaderia selloana’, ends up flowering and releasing its seeds, i. the northern hemisphere, from mid-summer to early autumn (spring time in the southern hemisphere), may cause a new (and late) peak of allergies. respiratory disease in the Brazilian population.
“We are facing a public health problem”, declared the researcher, guaranteeing that “it is already clear” to the scientific community that the plant causes allergies.
But not only that: its thin long leaves have the ability to cause skin injuries (cuts on the hands and fingers of anyone who handles them), hence the name `cortaderia`.
According to the expert, the most dangerous invasive plant is between mid-August (beginning of flowering) and November, when it stops releasing seeds, mainly due to the action of the wind, with the period until May (when it begins to appear) be suitable to uproot it from the ground, without the risk of spreading its seeds.
This is because, to eradicate once and for all, pampas grass, which can reach four meters in height, must be removed by the roots, using hand instruments or heavier machinery.
Currently, campaigns are already underway in several municipalities to warn the population against the danger of this invasive alien species, whose cultivation, breeding, trade, introduction into Nature and its repopulation, according to the national legislation of 2019, but which has spread to the other side. apparently it seems that the roads, around the railway or, indiscriminately, on land, agricultural fields and in the beauty of public and private gardens are uncontrolled.
An ongoing campaign teaches people how to harvest the plumes — which can reach a meter in length and contain thousands of tiny seeds that give rise to other plants — and which are the most visible and attractive faces of the “so beautiful, but so dangerous” pampas grass, which grows tall and whose color varies from gold to silver.
Although he admits that ordinary citizens do not have the resources to control the species, Hélia Marchante insisted that people can contain its spread.
“A citizen who has them in his garden or around his house and cuts the feathers [com uma tesoura de podar, as mãos e braços protegidos e colocando-as num saco fechado no final] there are millions of those seeds that will not spread”, said the expert.
The ESAC professor, who is responsible for the “Life Coop Cortaderia” at the Coimbra Polytechnic Institute, a project, ongoing until 2028, on environmental education and on raising awareness among the entities for the management of the invasion This biological would have come to Portugal about 20 years. since then, as an ornamental plant, “and exploded” at that time in the area between the north of Porto and the south of Aveiro.
The ongoing environmental education actions are basically aimed at school children, who are provided with five citizen science challenges, so that young people can become aware of the problem and contribute to the approach to the invasive plant change.
“We have things like using an app to put the pampas grass on the map, take a photo and it is geolocated. Or take a photo every month to see how the life cycle is changing, organize campaigns inside or outside the school so that they can forward the problem to the public, take measures to control it, that is, involve them a little and I hope they will bring it home”, explained Hélia Marchante.
The ongoing project, which involves the removal of the species from more than a thousand hectares, continues another one, which ended in 2022, and through which researchers and partners contacted all Portuguese municipalities about the danger of the plant, although it received warnings Sometimes it didn’t happen. t was the best.
The problem is not just Portugal – in Europe the expansion of pampas grass extends through south-west France and north-west Spain, to the Portuguese coast from north to south — and as a result there are international projects involving by French and Spanish researchers as well.
Currently, according to Hélia Marchante, the “Life Coop Cortadeira” brings together 190 entities from the three countries involved, from municipalities and inter-municipal communities, highway concessions and public and private organizations, which also includes a more formal training and education. , in which these partners are invited to join the strategy to combat the invasive species.
Time.news Editor: Good morning, and thank you for joining us today, Professor Hélia Marchante! Your research on pampas grass has sparked considerable interest. Can you start by explaining why this plant is becoming such a problem in Portugal?
Hélia Marchante: Good morning! Yes, absolutely. Pampas grass (Cortaderia selloana) is an ornamental plant that has unfortunately become invasive in many areas of Portugal. It grows very rapidly and can reach heights of up to four meters. The structure of the plant not only causes allergies due to the pollen it releases, especially during its flowering season from mid-summer to early autumn, but its sharp leaves can cause significant skin injuries as well.
Editor: It sounds quite concerning. You’ve mentioned the plant originating from the pampas of South America. How does that geographical factor play into its impact here in Europe?
Hélia Marchante: Exactly, it thrives in the Northern Hemisphere during a period that corresponds to its spring in the Southern Hemisphere. This creates a sort of delayed peak in allergies, particularly around late summer and early autumn. For individuals sensitive to such allergens, this can lead to a spike in respiratory issues that might catch many by surprise.
Editor: In terms of public health, how serious is the threat posed by pampas grass, and what are some of the most pressing issues it raises?
Hélia Marchante: We are indeed facing a public health problem. The increased spread of pampas grass is correlated with a rise in allergy cases and the injuries from its sharp leaves. It has become an uncontrolled threat in various public and private spaces, and without proper management, both health and environmental issues will worsen.
Editor: Can you tell us what municipalities are doing to combat this issue? Are there specific strategies in place to manage the growth of pampas grass?
Hélia Marchante: We’re seeing many municipalities launch campaigns to inform the public about the dangers of this invasive species. People are being educated on how to properly manage their own gardens and properties to prevent the spread of pampas grass. This includes practical steps like carefully harvesting the plant’s feathers, which contain thousands of seeds.
Editor: It sounds like a community effort is crucial. Are there things that regular citizens can do to help in this fight against pampas grass?
Hélia Marchante: Absolutely! Citizens can take action in their own gardens. If they find pampas grass, they can carefully cut the feathery plumes—while ensuring they’re protected—and place them in a closed bag to prevent any seeds from dispersing. This simple action can prevent millions of seeds from spreading and can significantly help manage its growth.
Editor: This educational aspect seems very important. Can you share a bit about the “Life Coop Cortaderia” project and its aims?
Hélia Marchante: Certainly! The project, which runs until 2028, focuses on environmental education and raising awareness about the management of this invasive species. We particularly target school children through citizen science challenges, helping them understand the ecological impact of invasive plants like pampas grass. The goal is to empower the next generation to act as stewards of the environment.
Editor: It’s inspiring to hear how education plays a crucial role in this campaign. What do you envision for the future of pest management concerning invasive species like pampas grass in Portugal?
Hélia Marchante: Ideally, I hope to see a more proactive and informed public when it comes to handling invasive species. The combination of community action, legislative support, and ongoing environmental education can lead to effective management. We had seen how pampas grass was introduced as an ornamental plant two decades ago, and now it requires our collective effort to control its spread and protect our natural ecosystems.
Editor: Thank you, Professor Marchante, for sharing your insights today. It’s clear that tackling the pampas grass issue will take the effort of both experts and the community. We appreciate your work in this field!
Hélia Marchante: Thank you for the opportunity to discuss this important issue! Together, we can make a difference.
