Bio-diversity

Sosnowski s cow parsnip (Heracleum sosnovskyi) is an aggressive, fast self-spreading invasive species of plant, which was brought to Lithuania from the Siberia in 60ties. Since that time the plant already occupied about 10 000 ha of local habitats of other species in the country. Moreover, the plant is very dangerous for human and animals health: its juice might cause heavy contact-irritation of skin, or even blindness sometimes. A national programme for the determination of this invasive species is under preparation, however there is still a gap in knowledge about practical application of the measures to fight with this species. The aim of this project is to stop rapid spread of the Sosnowski s cow parsnip (Heracleum sosnovskyi) and to exterminate the population of this plant to the largest scale as possible in Mariampole County. The objectives of the project are to test in practice what are the best methods for the extinction of the plant, to exterminate 14 ha of plants in Mariampole County, and to disseminate experience of the project as widely as possible. The grantees will work in close cooperation with the Lithuanian Institute of Botany, a winner of the national tender for the extermination of the Sosnowski s cow parsnip. The scientific methodology will be applied in larger-scale works. The project involves several stages. Firstly the habitats of the Sosnowski s cow parsnip will be identified. The plant s roots will need to be dig out, as well as plant itself will need to be cut several times during the vegetation period. These activities need to be repeated from two to five years to exterminate the plant finally. Application of other methods will be tested as well. The project will involve education and dissemination of the information to the specialists and public on the extermination of the plant, as well as protective measures to reduce human health risk. A few workshops will be organised, and an information leaflet will be published. Project partners: communities of Marijampole, unskai and Nartas, Municipality of Marijampole, and Lithuanian Institute of Botany.

Lithuania