Toxicity of ragwort
The common groundwort contains highly toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids that accumulate in the liver. If the animals regularly eat from the plant, these substances gradually lead to an agonizing death. There are currently no treatment options. The toxins also enter the food chain via milk and honey. Experts blame the spread of the ragwort to be responsible for the increasing number of liver diseases in humans.
also read
- Which plants can the ragwort be confused with?
- Recognize the dangerous ragwort in the hay
- When does the ragwort bloom?
No reporting requirement
The plant is already notifiable in Ireland, Austria and Switzerland. In Germany, however, there is currently no obligation to report, even if this is expressly required by many animal owners. Because of the Toxicity to humans and animals as well as the increasing spread of the ragwort, every landowner in these countries is encouraged to actively combat the ragwort.
The Federal Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Consumer Protection regards the increasing spread with concern. At the same time, the federal government points out that the ragwort is a native plant that may not be controlled in some areas.
No more ragwort in the seeds
Since 2009, German seed manufacturers have only been offering ragwort-free mixtures. Up to this point in time, the mixtures contained up to 4 per cent of the ground Ragwort seeds. This is very welcome in order to contain the stocks.
Recommended control measures
The following measures are recommended to prevent further spread:
- Prevent seed formation of the ragwort by mowing in good time.
- Cut out individual plants. No root residues should remain in the soil from which a new plant would develop.
- Avoid excessive grazing.
- density Sward obtained by reseeding.
- In the event of severe infestation, fight chemically as soon as the rosette has reached a height of 15 centimeters.
Tips
For your own safety, wear gloves when working. Small amounts of the active ingredients of the scallop can also be absorbed through the skin. Since they accumulate in the liver, there is a risk of creeping up Poisoning.
