Molecular Analysis of Water Primrose (Ludwigia)

This project will undertake genetic analysis of Ludwigia populations in England to strengthen and refine the national eradication programme and provide baseline research towards a potential biological control.

Ludwigia (water primrose) is a high-priority invasive non-native species due to its capacity to spread rapidly, form dense mats, outcompete native aquatic vegetation, and significantly alter freshwater ecosystems. These impacts are already well documented across continental Europe and elsewhere, where the species has caused ecological degradation and increased management costs.

There is a legal commitment for Defra to eradicate water primrose under the EU Regulation 1143/2014, retained in UK law. Achieving this requires not only effective physical and chemical control, but also a stronger understanding of the species’ biology, origin, and pathways of spread. This will allow us to recognise pathways of spread and manage these through good biosecurity and Pathway Action Plans.