A UK researcher has said action is needed quickly to prevent the importation of weed seeds such as blackgrass and Italian ryegrass in straw in Ireland.
John Cussans, who is the weed science principal consultant at ADAS, said: “Once you’ve imported a resistant weed, you’ve cut out the middle man, someone else has done all the hard work to select for herbicide resistance for you and then, bang, you’ve got it overnight.”
While the researcher noted it’s not his job to tell legislators what to do, he highlighted the seriousness of the issue and the need for fast action, adding: “If someone in the UK was importing large quantities of straw from Lincolnshire, I would tell them they’re an idiot.”
John said he was “flabbergasted” to hear that over 20,000t of straw was moving from Britain to Ireland.
'Massive quantity'
“The fact that there is such a massive quantity going from one of our most affected regions with blackgrass and ryegrass.
“What an amazing risk as a nation, as an individual farmer, and then to hear that you’re importing 10,000t from Spain. Spain has a terrifying problem with ALS-resistant broad-leaved weeds – poppies. I’m absolutely flabbergasted that that would be a practice.”
John had earlier mentioned that growers with glyphosate resistance in England are self-imposing an export ban from their own fields and farms to ensure that the problem doesn’t spread and stays on individual farms.
Department of Agriculture
The Irish Farmers Journal requested details on rules surrounding noxious weeds and regulations on straw imports, as well as details of checks on straw imports, but we have not received any answers.
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