Content
- Is ragwort certified?
- Toxicity of the ragwort
- No registration required
- No ragwort in the seed anymore
- Recommended control measures
- Tips
The ragwort is not notifiable in Germany
Is ragwort certified?
For years Jakobsgreiskraut was applied in the seed to greening roadsides, railway tracks and brownfields. Due to the warmer climate of recent years and always areas without a closed turf, the herb that is toxic to humans and animals is increasingly spreading in recent years.
Toxicity of the ragwort
Jacob's gorse contains highly toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which accumulate in the liver. If the animals regularly eat from the plant, these substances gradually lead to a painful death. Currently, there are no treatment options. The toxins also enter the food chain via milk and honey. For the increasing number of liver diseases in humans, experts are responsible for the spread of St. James's disease.
No registration required
In Ireland, Austria and Switzerland the plant is already notifiable. In Germany, however, there is currently no obligation to report, even if this is explicitly required by many pet owners. Because of the toxicity to humans and animals as well as the increasing spreading of the Jakobsgreiskrauts every landowner in these countries is obligated to actively fight the Jakobskreuzkraut.
The Federal Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Consumer Protection considers the increasing distribution with concern. At the same time, the Federal Government points out that the ragwort is a native plant that can not be fought on some areas.
No ragwort in the seed anymore
Since 2019, German seed producers offer exclusively ragweed-free mixtures. Up to this time, the mixtures contained up to 4 percent of ragwort seed. This is very welcome for the containment of stocks.
Recommended control measures
To prevent further spread, the following measures are recommended:
Tips
Wear gloves for your own safety during all work. The active ingredients of the Jakobsgreiskrauts can be absorbed in small quantities through the skin. As they accumulate in the liver, there is a risk of creeping poisoning.