What we know about Bassia scoparia :
Based on a DNA analysis of the seeds carried out at CRA-W, everything seems to indicate that the unsolicited reproductive plant material belongs to the plant species Bassia scoparia.
This identification was made possible by molecular markers developed at CRA-W.
Bassia scoparia is a Chenopodiaceae (it becomes an Amaranthaceae in the phylogenetic nomenclature) which responds to several vernacular names such as summer cypress, Belvedere cypress, mock-cypress, burning bush, ragweed, Mexican firebrush, Mexican fireweed or kochia. It is a poisonous plant when consumed in excess by animals.
In its area of origin, no quarantine disease is associated with this fairly disease-resistant plant.
However, the material might carry viral, bacterial and fungal pathogens. A study of the bacterial and fungal populations detectable on the transmitted seeds is possible with the techniques developed at CRA-W.
Bassia scoparia is not appearing in the last revised list (European regulation 2019/1262) of invasive alien species of concern to the Union, while in Switzerland, it is included in their “Watch list” of invasive neophytes to follow.
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