The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection draws attention: Canadian goldenrod and giant goldenrod are prohibited for introduction and (or) acclimatization
Over the past 200 years, the flora of many countries, including the Republic of Belarus, has significantly changed.
Almost a third of the total number of species now consists of alien plants that have successfully established themselves in new territories. The most aggressive alien species, displacing native (aboriginal) plants, are singled out into a special group – invasive species.
All species of goldenrods are included in the "EPPO List of Invasive Alien Species" (European and Mediterranean Plant Protection Organization), which lists alien species that cause serious damage to native plants, the environment, and biodiversity as a whole.
Canadian goldenrod is a plant of North American origin. Its uncontrolled spread leads to the suppression and even complete displacement of other plants from natural ecosystems, which completely alters local flora and fauna. Goldenrod spreads very rapidly as it has no natural enemies among competing plants and insects.
Each bush of this invasive plant produces up to one hundred thousand seeds, which have a very high germination rate. Over the years, the rhizomes begin to release toxic substances into the soil that inhibit the growth of other plants. In meadow and floodplain ecosystems where goldenrod settles, the composition and structure of hayfields change, the quality of harvested hay significantly deteriorates, and the structure and aeration of soils change.
Thanks to human activities that accelerate seed dispersal, Canadian and giant goldenrods are capable of rapid biological invasion, colonizing more and more new territories.
In particular, the spread of various goldenrod species is facilitated by ordinary citizens and summer residents who decorate flower arrangements and flowerbeds on their plots. Often, seeds are purchased from online stores or through numerous advertisements posted on the global computer network, the Internet.
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection reminds that in accordance with Article 27 of the Law of the Republic of Belarus of June 14, 2003 No. 205-Z "On the Plant World":
- plants prohibited for introduction and (or) acclimatization in the Republic of Belarus are prohibited for cultivation and sale, unless it is related to scientific research;
- users of land plots or water bodies are obliged to prevent the introduction and (or) acclimatization of plants in violation of legislative requirements.
By the Resolution of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection of the Republic of Belarus dated November 28, 2008 No. 106 "On some issues of regulating the introduction and (or) acclimatization of plants", a list of plants prohibited for introduction and (or) acclimatization has been established, which contains 9 species, including Canadian goldenrod and giant goldenrod.
For non-fulfillment, improper or untimely fulfillment of the requirements for the destruction of goldenrod issued by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Executive Committees, administrative responsibility is provided for under Article 24.1 of the Code of the Republic of Belarus on Administrative Offenses, with a fine of up to twenty basic units.
