Sask. Polytechnic research project aims to eradicate local noxious weed
Its dark green leaves and bright pink and white flowers may seem appealing, but don’t be fooled by the Himalayan Balsam.
The plant, which is a rapidly growing annual that was brought to North America from the Himalayan mountain range as a garden ornamental, has grown out of control inside the city and is devastating native species. This is in part due to its lack of natural predators and its ability to survive the winter.
Because of this, two students are working to devise an optimal means to eradicate it. Cole Tomlinson and Jeremy Toon recently spoke to city council about their research project at Saskatchewan Polytechnic. The two said they have studied a small chunk of land in the East end of the city, about 20 per cent, and yielded estimates of 400,000 plants.
“It is already out on control,” Toon said. “Our further job is to create more locations where it is present and to create more concern from the public.”