Geographical distribution and spatio-temporal changes in the occurrence of invasive plant species in Slovak Republic

Abstract

Biological systems are subject to a dramatic increase in invading species in the 21st century due to increasing globalization around the world. In the near future, these species will cause more extensive ecological as well as socio-economic damage. Biotic invasions will result not only in a reduction of the original biodiversity, but also total loss, particularly degradation of natural habitats – especially Natura 2000 habitats. This study aims to understand the processes of spread of invasive plant species, their way of life, adaptation to environmental changes and displacement of native species. Without the local level, it is not possible to understand these processes on the regional and continental dimensions and thus implement scientific facts and findings into the prediction of the development of global biosystems. The research was conducted during the vegetation period in the years 2017–2021 in the studied areas of non-forest and forest habitats in the central part of Slovakia. We recorded 242 localities in the area with the occurrence of invasive plant species in an area of 3.057 km2 out of the total mapped area of 169.024 km2. We recorded the highest number of localities and the most expansive distribution for the species Stenactis annua, Robinia pseudoacacia, Solidago canadensis, Impatiens glandulifera and Fallopia japonica.

Endangered Forest Communities in Central Europe: Mapping Current and Potential Distributions of Euro-Siberian Steppic Woods with Quercus spp. in South Slovak Basin

“…Within the habitat wood composition is relatively well preserved, but there are also invasive species (R. pseudoacacia), whose deliberate cultivation significantly affects the continued existence of this habitat. It is similar in the composition of the undergrowth, which consists of the original species, but there are also species of invasive character (I. parviflora) [3,13].…”

“…Currently, the limiting factors include climate change, which is gradually leading to a decline in biodiversity, which are also interconnected, and their solution is key to sustaining life on Earth. From this point of view, there is a need to place greater emphasis on the protection of nature, so that we can ensure optimal conditions for the preservation of the original European phytocenoses and zoocenoses [2,3]. The conversion of forests from complex natural ecosystems to simplified commercial woodlands is one of the major causes of biodiversity loss.…”

Distribution and management of Fallopia japonica in riparian biotopes in Slovakia and Austria

“…The next increase in mapped locations came after 2015. F. japonica collections in individual periods are not uniform (Wittlinger et al, 2022).…”

Evaluation of the Main Macro-, Micro- and Trace Elements Found in Fallopia japonica Plants and Their Traceability in Its Honey: A Case Study from the Northwestern and Western Part of Romania

“…Originating from Asia-mostly China, Korea, Taiwan and Japan [5,7]-it was first introduced in Europe as an ornamental plant [8,9] and its spread has been escalated due to globalization and climate change [10][11][12][13][14].…”

“…In Romania, the plant is classified as a subspontaneous species in the riparian ecosystems of Transylvania, Maramureş, Crişana, Moldova, Banat and Oltenia, with a menacing impact on the indigenous biodiversity [15,16]. This plant proliferates in extremely diverse environments, from pastures to watercourses, forests, railways, disturbed lands and human settlements [9,14,17,18]. Its invasive character comes from its phenotypic plasticity [19] and allelopathic effects [20,21], FJ plants being able to cope with environmental changes and intoxicate the native plants through the release of some phytotoxic compounds that are able to inhibit the growth of native species [22][23][24].…”