It Takes a Weed to Catch a Weed

It’s said that it takes a thief to catch a thief, and now scientists say it also takes a weed to kill a weed.

Thanks to a seed grant from Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF), an interdisciplinary team of researchers at Vineland Research and Innovation Centre (Vineland) has discovered a new approach to control and eradicate invasive plants and weeds. Vineland’s innovative solution utilizes the unique natural chemistry of invasive plants as a source of new sustainable control tools.

“This exciting discovery shows the value that Vineland Research and Innovation Centre brings to Ontario,” said Sam Oosterhoff, MPP for Niagara West. “I am proud to see how the centre collaborates with industry and community to bring forward solutions to real-world problems, while providing value for money to taxpayers. Niagara West is honoured to have this type of forward-looking research taking place in our community.”

Vineland research scientist Dr. Darby McGrath says the goal is to see if weeds can be controlled or eradicated using natural plant chemistry, rather than potentially harmful chemicals.

“Using Vincetoxicum rossicum, commonly known as Dog Strangling Vine as a model system, our team is assessing whether natural plant chemistry can control invasive species threatening our natural and agricultural spaces,” said McGrath.

www.vinelandresearch.com.