![\"\"](\"https:\/\/nes.aau.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/a-game-of-clones-1024x370.jpg\")
<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
In October 2017 we took the first steps in the research project \u201cGame of Clones \u2013 Students model the dispersal and fighting of the knotweed\u201d, a project funded by the research program Sparkling Science<\/a> of the Federal Ministry of Science, Research and Economy. The Game of Clones project should approach the serious topic of the rapid and aggressive clonal dispersal of the Japanese knotweed (Fallopia japonica) in a playful manner. Scientists from different departments and young explorers from a local school (BORG Spittal) will conduct research and experiments to investigate the behavior of the plant. We will use methods such as genetic sequencing of marker genes to differentiate between the Fallopia hybrids (DNA-Barcoding) or so-called rhizoboxes to study the growth of the rhizomes. With the results gathered through these efforts, we expect to model the complex spreading behavior of the plant under different circumstances and create a strategy computer game called \u201cGame of Clones\u201d. By means of this simulation, we will be able to test the effectiveness of different control measures based on many different variables. Contacts:<\/strong><\/p>\n
\n\u2018Game of Clones\u2019 is a collaboration of E.C.O. Institut f\u00fcr \u00d6kologie, the Institute of Networked and Embedded Systems (Alpen-Adria-Universit\u00e4t Klagenfurt), the HBLFA Raumberg Gumpenstein and the Landesmuseum K\u00e4rnten.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/nes.aau.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/logo_en_mitbmwfw_72dpi-rgb-300x300.jpg\"){kind=logo}
Project coordination:<\/em>
\nDI Dr. Christina Pichler-Koban
\nE.C.O. Institute of Ecology
\npichler-koban@e-c-o.at<\/a><\/p>\n