| Popis: |
The aim of the present study is to identify among the native plants the main competitors of Impatiens glandulifera in an experimental section of the Iskar River gorge with intensive presence of this invasive alien plant and to identify among these species those whose populations would help limit its distribution in natural hygrophilous communities and to reduce the risk of soil erosion in the riparian zone. The investigation was conducted in the period 2019-2020. Sixty Permanent Sample Plots (area 2x2 mP 2)P were set up in representative wetland communities and based on their floristic composition and cover abundance 12 dominant species were identified- Impatiens glandulifera Royle, Urtica dioica L., Rubus caesius L., Petasites hybridus (L.) P. Gaertn., B. Mey. & Scherb, Aegopodium podagraria L., Epilobium hirsutum L., Scrophularia umbrosa Dumort, Carex sp., Scirpus sylvaticus L., Phalaris arundinacea L., Typha angustifolia L., Phragmites australis (Cav.) Trin. ex Steud. The most suitable of the native plants against the Hymalayan balsam are Phalaris arundinacea - for localities of flooded and periodically flooded type and Phragmites autsralis - for standing waters. In riparian communities with a three- and four-layers structure and high total cover abundance of the tree layer, the shade-tolerant species Aegopodium podagraria is the most competitive with Impatiens glandulifera and permanently suppresses its populations. The recommendation for optimal use of local competitors is to stimulate their spread in areas not occupied by vegetation along the river under the direct action of the watercourse in order to strengthen the shore and subsequently planting local tree and shrub species (alder, willow and poplar) to build a sustainable vertical structure of the communities and gradually restore the autochthonic wetland forest vegetation. |
