ALIEN PLANT SPECIES GROWING NEAR TRAFFIC LINE STRUCTURES IN THE TŘEBOŇSKO PROTECTED LANDSCAPE AREA

Abstract

The occurrence of non-native species is one of the priorities for nature and landscape protection. Protected areas are among the most valuable parts of the landscape, so nature conservation takes care not only of rare and endangered species, but also of alien species. The aim was to map out the occurrence of invasive and other non-native plant species on model examples of two types of propagation vectors - roads and railways in the Třeboňsko Protected Landscape Area. The total of 75 alien plant species were identified in 68 locations, of which 28 are listed in the Black, Gray and Watch Lists of alien species in the Czech Republic. The most abundant families were Asteraceae, Poaceae and Amaranthaceae. No difference in the occurrence of alien plants between the observed types of propagation vectors was found. The most dangerous invasive species growing along the main roads and railways were: Reynoutria japonica Houtt. var. japonica, Impatiens glandulifera Royle, Helianthus tuberosus L., Solidago sp., Conyza canadensis (L.) Cronq., and Echinochloa crus-galli (L.) P.B. Another non-native species that was captured successfully along rail tracks and road sides was Digitaria sanguinalis (L.) Scop. subsp. sanguinalis. Near roads, a significant spreading of the expansive halophilic species Puccinellia distans (Jacq.) Parl. was also found. The rare growings of Plantago coronopus L. near a road and Alopecurus myosuroides Huds. near a highway were also reported. The occurrence of many aliens and spreading species was discussed.