The young researcher will carry out a project entitled “Searching for Ways to Understand and Reduce the Ragweed Invasion in the V4+ Region” at the Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences. Work will also be conducted at Comenius University in Bratislava, the Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, and the University of Sarajevo. These are basic studies aimed at understanding the mechanisms behind ragweed’s success. In the longer term, the goal is to develop effective and natural methods of combating this dangerous plant.
As Tomasz Grzyb explains:
“The aim of my research is to determine why common ragweed is so successful as an invasive species (that is, one introduced by humans into new habitats, outcompeting native plants and depriving them of space and resources). This weed occurs naturally in North America and appeared in Europe by accident. Here it found favorable conditions and, with climate change, began to spread rapidly, causing various damages.”
The PhD student points out his main research objective:
“I want to investigate whether the secret of ragweed’s success could lie in the microorganisms living within and on it, as well as in the chemical compounds it produces. I also plan to determine whether certain natural compounds or microorganisms could be used to combat ragweed.”
“The word ‘ambrosia’ sounds pleasant, like the food of the gods, but this plant is extremely troublesome for people and the environment.”
Ragweed pollen is one of the strongest allergens—just a few grains in the air are enough to trigger rhinitis, watery eyes, breathing difficulties, or aggravation of asthma in sensitive individuals. In some countries, ragweed pollen season is a real nightmare for allergy sufferers. Moreover, ragweed outcompetes native species by stealing space and nutrients, and does the same in cultivated fields, where it is considered a weed.
He adds:
“I have been interested in the phenomenon of biological invasions for a long time, but I feel it is still not spoken about enough. Ragweed is one of the most dangerous ‘invaders,’ harmful both to nature and to people. It grows very quickly, produces huge amounts of seeds, and can thrive almost anywhere—fields, roadsides, riverbanks, railway tracks, or even between paving stones in cities. What is worse, its pollen is an exceptionally strong allergen.”
Hungary and southern Slovakia are already heavily infested with ragweed. With the warming climate, the plant continues to spread northwards, including into Poland, and upwards into mountainous areas such as the Tatras or the Dinaric Alps.
The research will continue until November 2027.