Heracleum Sosnowskyi Manden. – a threat to biodiversity reduction in phytocenoses of Western Ukraine
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.32636/01308521.2026-(79)-1-1Keywords:
variety, hybrid, weather factors, field seed germination, plant development, sugar contentAbstract
The aim of the study was to assess the change in the species composition of phytocenoses under the influence of the spread of Heracleum sosnowskyi Manden., the projective cover of the dominant invasive species, and the change in the main biodiversity indices under the influence of its spread. The study was carried out using permanent sample plots, geobotanical records, and quantitative analysis of the phytocenotic structure during 2020–2025. A clear trend towards a decrease in the species biodiversity of phytocenoses was established: the number of species decreased from 18 in 2020 to 9 in 2025. At the same time, a stable increase in the projective cover of Heracleum sosnowskyi from 35 % to 72 % was observed, accompanied by a rapid decrease in the participation of associated species and the formation of monodominant groups. Analysis of biodiversity indices demonstrated a significant decrease in the Shannon-Weaver index and the Pielou evenness index, accompanied by an increase in the Simpson index, indicating a simplification of the structure of phytocenoses and a violation of species evenness. Correlation analysis confirmed the presence of strong, statistically significant relationships between the projective cover of Heracleum sosnowskyi and biodiversity indicators: a strong negative correlation with the Shannon-Weaver and Pielou indices, and a positive correlation with the Simpson index. The results obtained indicate a high invasive potential of Heracleum sosnowskyi and its determining role in the degradation of phytocenoses, which justifies the need to develop and implement scientifically based measures to control its spread.
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