About invasive plant species

"An invasive alien species is a species whose introduction and spread threaten ecosystems or species and cause economic or environmental damage."

Even those who have never encountered this dangerous and ubiquitous plant seem to know about hogweed. However, among invasive plant species, there are those that cause no less harm. These include agricultural crops, quarantine weeds, and those that are still used by gardeners as ornamental and honey-producing plants.

HERACLEUM SOSNOWSKYI is a very large (up to 3 meters) biennial or perennial plant of the Apiaceae family. The plant releases a transparent phototoxic sap, which causes burns when it comes into contact with human skin and is exposed to ultraviolet radiation. Heracleum sosnowskyi poses a threat to human health and causes ecological problems, as its rapidly developing population displaces other plants and maintains a dominant position in the occupied territories.

SOLIDAGO CANADENSIS – goldenrod is also an alien invasive plant species for the Republic of Belarus. It is included in the list of particularly dangerous invasive plant species. Some people grow it on their garden plots and around their homes. However, it is forbidden to use goldenrod for landscaping. The uncontrolled spread of this species leads to the suppression and even complete displacement of other plants from natural ecosystems. Solidago canadensis is an allergenic aggressive plant; each individual produces over 20,000 seeds (with a germination rate of 50-90%), which pose a threat to human health by increasing morbidity, as goldenrod pollen provokes allergic reactions in people.

Various methods can be used to combat invasive plant species, the main ones being mechanical (removal, digging, mowing of plants), chemical (treatment of plants with herbicides, as well as plowing (before flowering with subsequent disking, at least 4 times per season), sowing with grass mixtures or forest crops).

Do not use these plant species for landscaping and beautification on garden plots, do not plant them for aesthetic purposes. Preventing the spread of harmful alien plants by any of the above-mentioned means, and taking appropriate measures for their destruction, is the key to success.

Land users, on whose land invasive wild plants grow, bear responsibility in accordance with the legislation of the Republic of Belarus for the untimely taking of measures to destroy invasive plants.