Invasive plants that pose a threat to mankind might sound like something out of the sci-fi novel Day Of The Triffids. But it may not be so far-fetched, as scientists claim weeds now pose the greatest threat to humanity in history. Scientists at Rothamsted Research Centre in Hertfordshire, where wheat crops have been studied since 1843, found weeds are stronger and more abundant than ever. On plots where herbicides have never been used, yield losses to weeds have increasedThe Rothamsted Broadbalk wheat trial in Hertfordshire is the world's longest running experiment. Researchers have found that, on plots where herbicides have never been used, yield losses to weeds have been consistently increasing since the 1960s.

Source: Daily Mail March 24, 2021 00:16 UTC