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This project examines the ecological effects of importing non-native plants, with a special emphasis on the introduction of Whitethorn hedgerows to Ireland.
Because Whitethorn hedgerows are good for the environment, the Irish government encourages farmers to plant them. However, because of the high demand, non-native Whitethorn species that spread fire blight have been imported. Native flora is seriously threatened by Erwinia amylovora, which causes the devastating disease known as fire blight.
By drawing comparisons to the catastrophic consequences of the diseases that affect Whitethorn, the project highlights how urgently the risks related to the action of importing plants must be addressed. The disease has spread in Ireland in 2023, with 17 cases recorded, but County Dublin is the one with the most cases, despite laws like plant passports.
The study lists the signs and symptoms of fire blight and ash dieback, which are diseases that Whitethorn hedgerows can get, and emphasises how common it is in garden centres.
After presenting this project in SciFest in April 2024 at MTU Cork, the project started to focus on fire blight disease and its spread to the whole world, starting with its origins in California, USA until it can be found in a lot of countries around the world.
Finally, this project emphasises how crucial it is to strike a balance between ecological preservation and agricultural demands, and it offers some viable ways to both meet agricultural needs and slow the spread of the multiple diseases and risks that non-native hedgerows have.
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