Invasive alien plants

• Invasive alien plants such as Heracleum sosnowskyigive increasing cause for concern. They can cause considerable economic damage, sometimes also presenting a health hazard to humans.

• No universal tool exists to stop these invasive plants, reduce their impact or prevent future invasions.

Heracleum Sosnowskyi

Open stand of Giant Hogweed Dense stand of Giant Hogweed

Dmitry Ivanovich Sosnovsky(1885—1952)

• Though the giant plant species got its name after Dmitry Ivanovich Sosnovsky, (1885—1952) who was an outstanding scientist and explorer of the Caucasian flora, he was not the person in charge of introducing the plant into the Russian fields.

P.P.Vavilov is responsible for invading

• It was Peter PetrovichVavilov to have been responsible for invading with Heracleumsosnowskyi. This notorious person was not a relative to the famous Vavilovsbrothers, Nicholas and Sergei, he just had the same surname.

The former vice-minister of agriculture

• Peter Vavilov defended his PhD thesis on the Heracleumsosnowskyi and later was chosen a member of the Academy of Science, got the chair at horticulture department (Timiryazev’ Academy) and even became a vice-minister of agriculture in the former Soviet Union government.

Plant Description

• The most distinct characteristic of these species is their size. They grow up to 4-5 m tall. Stems are usually 5-10 cm in diameter.

• Leaves of mature plants can grow up to 3 m in length.

• White flowers are clustered in an umbrella-shaped head that is up to 80 cm across. Each compound umbel has 30-150 rays. A total of more than 80,000 flowers can occur on a single plant.

• Flowering typically lasts from June to August. The green oval (elliptic) fruits form by July then turn dry and brown.

• Heracleum sosnowskyi are monocarpicplants (i.e. they die after flowering).

• All tall invasive hogweeds contain phototoxic sap.

Heracleum sosnowskyi in Leningrad Region (after the application of chemicals)

What to do?

• Combinations of different control methods can be more efficient than using a single method

• Root cutting

• Mechanical cutting

• Chemical control

• Spot treatment

Heracleum sosnowskyi next to the ruins of the stable at the former Prince Golitsyn’s estate (the settlement

of Gostilitsy, Leningrad Region).

Children are at particular risk

• The plant exudes a clear watery sap, which contains furocoumarins. In contact with the human skin and in combination with ultraviolet radiation, these compounds cause burnings of the skin.

• After a period of about 24 hours flushing or reddening of the skin (erythema) appears, followed by an inflammatory reaction after three days.

• Approximately one week later a hyperpigmentation (unusual darkening of the skin) occurs on the affected areas, which can last for months.

• The affected skin may remain sensitive to ultraviolet light for years.

• The main groups at risk are people coming into contact with the plant through their work such as gardeners or landscape workers. Weeding without gloves and the use of power tools without adequate protection frequently lead to phytophotodermatitis.

• Due to the fact that contact with the plant itself is completely painless, children are at particular risk.

Public health hazards

Safety instructions

• It is necessary to avoid touching or stroking the plant with the bare skin, and to prevent ultraviolet light from reaching exposed skin. Toxicity may result from any activity that involves bruising, cutting or touching the foliage.

• All body parts must be covered with protective clothing. Synthetic water-resistant materials are preferred, since cotton and linen fibres soak up the plant sap and can be penetrated by plant hairs.

• Gloves with long sleeves should be worn and, if cutting this plant, protective goggles or glasses must be used to prevent drops of plant sap entering the eyes.

• Modern power equipment such as trimmers can spray pulverized plant material; therefore, it is essential to wear additional safety goggles or glasses and protection from inhalation.

• In case of exposure to plant sap, one should wash the skin carefully with soap and water as soon as possible and subsequently keep the area away from sunlight for at least 48 hours.

• If sap goes into the eyes, rinse them with water and use sunglasses. Do not hesitate to seek medical advice, particularly after intensive contact.

Literature and Sources

• Вавилов П.П. Силосные растения и их культура в Коми АССР. Сыктывкар. 1956.

• Вавилов П.П., Кондратьев А.А. Новые кормовые культуры. М. 1975.

• http://www.gardenia.ru/pages/borsh001.htmhttp://www.giant-alien.dk/pdf/Giant_alien_uk.pdfdp.ru›a/2010/08/24/Kompanija_OOO_Nils_Sankt/ коп

ияБорщевик Сосновского ( Heracleum sosnowskyi

Manden.) на Северо-Западе

http://korkis.net/heracleum.html