Regeneration and growth in crowns and rhizome fragments of Japanese knotweed (Reynoutria japonica) and desiccation as a potential control strategy

Reynoutria japonica (Japanese knotweed) is a problematic invasive plant found in many areas of Europe and North America. Notably, the UK, species can cause issues with mortgage acquisition. Control R. complicated by its ability to regenerate from small fragments material; however, there remains uncertainty about how much (in terms mass) rhizome required for successful regeneration. This study investigated crowns rhizomes different numbers nodes successfully three sites north England, UK. Two had been subject herbicide treatment two years prior sampling third site no history treatment. No significant differences were observed regenerated stem diameter, maximum height growth increments among crowns. All traits measured planted significantly greater than those at least one node was necessary regeneration rhizomes. The smallest initial fragment weight survive experiment 0.5 g. Subjecting all material desiccation 38 days resulted regrowth (emergence or regeneration) after replanting. These findings suggest that could be valuable management strategy medium scale infestations common urban settings.