Invasive plant species and ecological factors influencing the spreading in the area of the obrenovački zabran nature monument (central Serbia); [Invazivne biljne vrste i ekološki čimbenici koji utječu na njihovo širenje na području spomenika prirode "obre

Abstract

The main aim of the conducted research was to determine the presence of invasive plant species in the protected natural area of the Obrenovački Zabran Nature Monument (Central Serbia). Floristic and vegetation study of the forest Obrenovački Zabran was conducted through several vegetation periods (from March 2009 to November 2013). The presence of 163 plant species recorded in the area of the Zabran Forest reflects its flora richness. Out of the total number of recorded species, 24 taxa are listed as invasive plant species, which makes 14.72% of the total flora of the Obrenovački Zabran Forest Nature Monument. Among them, there are six woody plant species and 18 herbaceous plant species. Along the whole embankment track, the species Asclepias syriaca and Amorpha fruticosa were registered with a high value of the measured parameters each. These two species create a wood edge leading down to the Sava River and suppress almost all other plants of the shrub floor, with a tendency to suppress already sparse vegetation of the ground floor. The most important environmental factors influencing the development and spreading of invasive plants in Obrenovački Zabran are light and temperature, which are most pronounced in the embankment area. Also, a strong anthropogenic influence, i.e., high frequency of users, has led to introduction and presence of invasive plant species in the area. The greatest number of determined invasive plant species belong to the family Asteraceae (nine species), then to the families Fabaceae and Poaceae (with two species each), whereas the other families had a single invasive species each. Research results should provide a basis for development of strategies for monitoring the state of unwanted species and planning measures of their reduction in order to protect the autochthonous flora. Only careful and responsible management of the natural area would maintain the abundance of these species at the current level.