Work has begun in the Vitebsk region to combat Sosnowsky's hogweed
Work on combating Sosnowsky's hogweed has begun in all districts of the Vitebsk region.
Environmentalists draw attention to the fact that due to favorable weather conditions promoting rapid plant growth, it is necessary to carry out timely measures to combat Sosnowsky's hogweed.
The most effective method is chemical treatment, which involves treating invasive areas with broad-spectrum and selective herbicides. To achieve maximum effect, it is recommended to apply chemicals before the hogweed grows in spring or when it reaches a height of up to 30 cm.
As reported by Alexey Markovsky, Deputy Chairman of the Regional Committee for Natural Resources and Environmental Protection, this year, more than 1.8 million rubles from budgets of various levels will be allocated to combat invasive plants in the Vitebsk region. There are over 5.2 thousand known locations of Sosnowsky's hogweed, covering a total area of 3660 hectares.
It is important to know that this green aggressor is dangerous to human health, causing severe skin burns. The particular danger lies in the fact that touching the plant may not immediately cause discomfort. However, after some time, especially in bright summer sun, a severe burn will appear on the skin – extremely painful and difficult to treat. Contact with hogweed sap in the eyes can lead to corneal burns and, consequently, blindness. Even the aerosolized sap and pollen of the plant, in high concentrations, can cause swelling of the larynx and upper parts of the esophagus. Sosnowsky's hogweed reduces the productivity of agricultural land, harms natural ecosystems, and leads to the disappearance and subsequent extinction of rare plant species, many of which are national treasures of our country.