Madam, - I refer to the comments made by Dr. Tom Curtis about ivy and its effects on trees (November 24th). I would disagree with him on most of the issues he raises.
The effect of ivy on trees has been a perennial subject in your correspondence columns for many years. Views vary from the most ardent admirers to the most trenchent critics. And the emotive and pejorative aspects of the correspondence, referred to by Dr. Curtis, is common to both camps. These uncertainties prevail because there has been no research on the subject, and the absence of sources of research makes difficulties, even for professional botanists and plant ecologists.
In writing my book, For Love of Trees, which was the subject of the note in Horizon referred to by Dr. Curtis, I stated that I could find no evidence of research on ivy in these islands, even going back to the mid-nineteenth century. I did some research myself while preparing the text of my book. My findings leave no doubt in my mind about the harm excessive growth of ivy can do to our hedgerow and woodland hardwood trees. I would have no hesitation in challenging Dr. Curtis in public on this issue. - Yours, etc.,
Prof. RISTEARD MULCAHY, The Palms, Roebuck Road, Dublin, 14.