Invasive plants like Ricinus communis and Acacia saligna threaten Israel鈥檚 wetlands. Typically, managing these invasive species relies on mechanical tools that cause severe habitat disruption.
Until now, there has been a critical shortage of chemical formulations approved and safe for use in aquatic environments.
A new study by Dr. Maor Matzrafi from the Volcani Institute and Dr. Oded Cohen from the Shamir Research Institute, funded by Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael – Jewish National Fund, offers a real solution: A targeted, environmentally safe control protocol using aquatic herbicides approved for use in or near water sources.
This research provides a species-specific “treatment basket” that will enable safe future applications not only in nature reserves but also in drainage channels and agricultural borders adjacent to water bodies.
The study will be presented at the Israel Society of Ecology and Environmental Sciences (ISEES).