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A simulation model of Rhizome networks for Fallopia japonica (Japanese Knotweed) in the United Kingdom

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journal contribution
posted on 2006-09-19, 09:39 authored by J.M.D. Smith, John WardJohn Ward, Lois Child, M.R. Owen
Fallopia japonica (Japanese knotweed) is an aggressively invasive herbaceous perennial that causes substantial economic and environmental damage in the United Kingdom (UK). As such, it is of considerable concern to councils, environmental groups, private landowners and property developers. We construct a 3D correlated random walk model of the development of the subterranean rhizome network for a single stand of F. japonica. The formulation of this model uses detailed knowledge of the morphology and physiology of the plant, both of which differ in the UK to that of its native habitat due to factors including a lack of predation and competition, longer growth seasons and favourable environmental conditions in the UK. Field data obtained as a part of this study are discussed and used in the model for parameterisation and validation. The simulation captures the field data well and predicts, for example, quadratic growth in time for the stand area. Furthermore, the role of a selection of parameters on long-term stand development are discussed, highlighting some key factors affecting vegetative spread rates.

History

School

  • Science

Department

  • Chemistry

Pages

1467097 bytes

Citation

SMITH, J.M.D. ... et al, 2007. A simulation model of Rhizome networks for Fallopia japonica (Japanese Knotweed) in the United Kingdom. Ecological Modelling, 200 (3/4), pp.421-432.

Publisher

© Elsevier

Version

  • AM (Accepted Manuscript)

Publication date

2007

Notes

This article was published in the journal, Ecological Modelling [© Elsevier]. The definitive version is available at: www.elsevier.com/locate/ecolmodel

ISSN

0304-3800

Language

  • en