Invasive knotweeds in North America, including Japanese knotweed (Reynoutria japonica), Giant knotweed (Reynoutria sachalinensis), and Bohemian knotweed (Reynoutria × bohemica), cause significant environmental, structural, and economic damage worldwide. These impacts have placed knotweeds among just 37 plants on the International Union for the Conservation of Nature's list of the 100 worst invasive species. Despite their profound effects, most research has focused on specific treatment methods rather than exploring the plants' physiological vulnerabilities. Our study seeks to address this gap by investigating the thermal limitations of Reynoutria species. Specifically, we aim to identify the temperatures and exposure durations needed to achieve 100% mortality in knotweed rhizomes and seeds. Preliminary results show that temperatures of 150°C or higher can result in complete seed mortality within 6 0 minutes. These findings can inform various treatment methods, including incineration, composting, microwave radiation, thermal desorption, and other novel thermal approaches.
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