Invasive Plants of Russia: Results of Inventory, Peculiarities of Distribution, and Management Issues

Abstract—

Globalization, the expansion of trade relations, inter- and intracontinental movements of population, the development of transport networks between the countries led to an active settlement of many plant species outside their natural areas. Among such plants, a group of invasive species (those whose distribution has serious environmental, economic, and social consequences) is distinguished. The article contains information about the results of the inventory of invasive species of vascular plants growing in the Russian Federation, as well as an overview of the actions taken in the country to manage the invasive plant species. At present, there are 584 invasive species of vascular plants in Russia; out of them, Acer negundo, Echinocystis lobata, and Erigeron canadensis are the most common. It has to be stated, that until now, both legislative acts regulating the policy in the field of invasive species (legal regulation of phytoquarantine is an exception) and a national strategy for alien species in Russia are absent. The efficient management of biological invasions can work in the case where the general public is aware of the adverse consequences of the invasion of invasive species.