Invasive plants – what are they and how are they dangerous to humans and the environment?

“An alien invasive species is an alien species whose introduction and spread threaten ecosystems or species and cause economic or environmental damage.”

In other words, these are alien organisms, plant species, whose spread and numbers pose a threat to the life or health of citizens. Invasive alien species are considered one of the main threats not only to biodiversity; their expansion leads to serious ecological, social, and economic consequences. One of the striking examples of invasive alien species in Europe is giant hogweeds, among which Sosnowsky's hogweed is the most dangerous invasive plant species in Belarus.
SOSNOWSKY'S HOGWEED 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. Sosnowsky's hogweed poses a threat to human health and causes environmental problems, as due to the rapid development of its population, it displaces other plants and maintains a dominant position in the occupied territories.
In Belarus, it grows on fallow land, field margins, and roadsides as a wild or introduced plant, forming large thickets in places. In its habitats, it almost completely displaces native vegetation, forming plant communities that are uncharacteristic in composition and appearance for our territory. Sosnowsky's hogweed can grow everywhere, in all soil and climatic zones of the republic. It is most often found along roads (from major highways to small forest paths), as well as adjacent areas (ditches, slopes, etc.)
Various methods can be used to combat Sosnowsky's hogweed; the main ones are manual and mechanical, which include digging up and destroying the rootstocks, cutting or mowing the plants, and removing the inflorescences.