The fight against invasive plant species is one of the most important in preserving biodiversity. These plants are not only dangerous to human health, but also harm the ecosystem.

The problem of Sosnovsky's hogweed is the result of lands not involved in economic turnover and not cultivated, on which the plant spreads at high speed. Due to its invasiveness (the ability to displace other plants and, in the absence of treatment, to grow by 15% every year), and the inability of nature managers to deal with it correctly and in a timely manner, people often receive serious injuries and burns, while hogweed, meanwhile, continues to conquer new territories.

In the Polotsk region, more than 200 thousand rubles have been allocated from the budget for the current year to combat invasive plants - Sosnovsky's hogweed and Canadian goldenrod.

Based on the approved regional plans for regulating the distribution and abundance of Sosnovsky's hogweed, before the start of these activities, written requirements are sent to users of land plots containing a list of places and areas of growth of the specified plant, as well as methods of combating Sosnovsky's hogweed, including technology and timing of their implementation.

Despite the measures taken: the use of herbicides, plowing, mowing, Sosnovsky's hogweed is taking over new places. This indicates insufficient work of land users and the effectiveness of means of combating toxic weeds. Most of the contaminated land is agricultural.

Due to favorable weather conditions, hogweed actively began to grow and measures to regulate it began in the Polotsk region on April 17. It is important to carry out measures in time to prevent it from flowering, otherwise even herbicides will not help.

Currently, more than 87% of the growing areas of Sosnovsky's hogweed have been processed.

The Novopolotsk city and district inspection of natural resources and environmental protection monitors the implementation of measures to regulate the spread and number of invasive plant species. Thus, in May of this year, 32 instructions were sent to land users regarding hogweed. If facts of non-fulfillment, improper or untimely execution of a written requirement (instruction) are established, users of land plots are brought to administrative responsibility under Article 24.1 of the Code of the Republic of Belarus on Administrative Offenses, with a fine of up to 20 basic units.

Last year, the Novopolotsk city and district inspection of natural resources issued 86 orders and brought 8 officials to administrative responsibility.

For reference:

destroying Sosnovsky's hogweed -

1. Cuttings should not be left abandoned in place. The generative shoot of hogweed has a large supply of nutrients in the stem - sufficient for the seeds to ripen in the main umbrella of the fallen plant.
2. Hogweeds should not be allowed to be mowed while the seeds are falling from the plants. Otherwise, this will lead to greater dispersion of hogweed.
3. While working with hogweed, you must not be undressed or have unprotected parts of your body. If hogweed juice is not washed off the body during the day, if these areas are exposed to sunlight (ultraviolet radiation), it will lead to the formation of dermatitis similar to burns.