In the United States and Europe, measures are already underway to stop the spread of Ambrosia confertiflora, a particularly aggressive invasive plant that originated in America. However, Israel is still not sufficiently aware of its harmful effects on public health and the environment. A team of experts is trying to change the situation.
The genus Ambrosia includes 42 species native to the Americas. The plant has a notorious reputation of being an aggressive invader that does not respond to pesticides and has serious negative effects on the environment, agriculture and human health. First observations in Israel were reported in the early 1990s in the Hof HaCarmel region in the North. Today, the most common Ambrosia species in Israel is Ambrosia confertiflora, also known as Burr Ragweed, which infests predominantly fertilized areas, that is, roadsides, gardens, agricultural and open areas.
Full Story (Jerusalem Post)
