DATA ON THE PRESENCE OF INVASIVE AND POTENTIALLY INVASIVE ALOGEN PLANTS IN OLT COUNTY (ROMANIA)

Abstract

The research carried out in Olt County regarding invasive and potentially invasive alogen plant species is a necessary step in order to complete the information on their distribution at the national level. The data obtained will be able to be used for a careful monitoring of these plants and the adoption of the necessary management measures regarding the eradication or prevention of their introduction and spread.

In this sense, an inventory of invasive and potentially invasive plant species identified on the territory of Olt county is presented, with information on the geographical origin, life form, biological form, an assessment of the degree of invasiveness, chorological data, habitat, as well as aspects related to the impact they exert on native vegetation, human health or the economy.

The preliminary analysis of the list of invasive and potentially invasive alogen plants identified in Olt County highlights, in particular, the presence of some species of concern for the European Union (such as Ailanthus altissima, Asclepias syriaca and Elodea nuttallii). Besides these, the most widespread invasive species found in Olt county are Ambrosia artemisiifolia, Robinia pseudoacacia, Morus alba, Amorpha fruticosa, Acer negundo, Amaranthus retroflexus, Erigeron annuus, E. canadensis, Lycium barbarum, Sorghum halepense, Xanthium orientale subsp.italicum. It is well known that the impact of invasive species on the environment, the economy and in some situations even on human health is major and that is why these organisms must be subject to an extensive and continuous monitoring process. Also, in order to control the introduction and spread of invasive and potentially invasive species, a series of appropriate management measures are required.