Japanese Knotweed

Invasion Biology, History, Identification, Ecology & Management

Unique illustrated guide for the identification of above- and below-ground invasive knotweed growth, supplemented by a seasonal guide for positive identification of plants commonly mistaken for Japanese Knotweed.
Full scientific account of the cytology, breeding behaviour and genetics of invasive knotweeds.
Latest evidence-based treatment specifications and management programme requirements for invasive knotweeds at all scales (strategic through to local).

Subject: botany-plant-science-forestry ecology Series: invasive-species

Tags:

botany
Coming Soon
ecology
invasive species
knotweed
management
plants

Description

Japanese Knotweed Reynoutria japonica is one of the world’s most high-profile invasive plants. This authoritative and accessible book traces the species’ global history, distribution and reproductive biology. The authors deliver a comprehensive overview of ecological and economic threats posed by knotweed and how these have influenced government policy and legislative responses. New management approaches for effective ecosystem remediation are evaluated, making this an essential resource for researchers, policymakers, land managers and botanists.

Written by three of the world’s leading experts on the subject, the book offers a compelling exploration of the spread and implications of Japanese Knotweed. It also presents a balanced and comprehensive overview of academic research into the threats posed by invasive knotweed species more broadly. Particularly valuable is its in-depth examination of the often-contentious issue of Japanese Knotweed management and control, providing the latest evidence-based insights into the most effective strategies.

This book also contains detailed guidance on the identification of above- and below-ground invasive knotweed growth, supplemented by a seasonal guide for positive identification of plants commonly mistaken for Japanese Knotweed. From identification and genetics to legal implications and sustainable management, this unique handbook covers all aspects of this key global invasive plant in a scholarly yet accessible style.

DOI: 10.53061/WAFR1737

About the Author

John Bailey gained his PhD at Leicester University on Japanese Knotweed and its hybrids, co-supervised by Ann Conolly and Clive Stace, which established the cytological basis of the genus. He has since travelled extensively on knotweed research activities and speaking at conferences. With the aid of three PhD students, he took advantage of new DNA technologies to further elucidate population structure, evolution and phylogeny of the genus Reynoutria. He has contributed to more than 40 scientific papers on the subject and has a current h-index of 36.

Lois Child has been engaged in the study and management of Japanese Knotweed since 1991. Her doctoral research focused on the distribution and control of the species and its hybrids, forming the foundation for her ongoing work with government bodies, environmental consultancies and land-management organisations to develop effective management strategies. Lois is a founder member of the EMAPi (Ecology and Management of Alien Plant Invasions) International Conference Series, a leading forum for global experts in invasive species management.

Dan Jones is Managing Director at Advanced Invasives and an Honorary Research Associate at Swansea University. In 2023 he concluded a 12 year field-trial on Japanese Knotweed control. This work is the most comprehensive undertaken in the world to date and is supported by the peer-reviewed journal article ‘Optimising Physiochemical Control of Japanese Knotweed’. Dan has provided evidence to UK Parliamentary Committees, authored government reports and delivered best-practice guidance. He has been instructed as an expert in more than 40 legal cases UK-wide, ranging from rural landholdings through to multimillion-pound development sites.