Currently, the spring extermination of the introduced Sosnovskii borsch has begun in the territories of Pavilnii and Verkii regional parks. On the slopes of Vilnius, in hard-to-reach places along the river, these young plants are dug up, in other areas due to their extraordinary abundance, they are mowed, and in areas further from water bodies, they are destroyed with selective herbicides. Sosnovskii borscht originates from the Caucasus and was brought to Lithuania in the XNUMXth century. in the middle, as a promising silage plant, later widespread by itself. It is an aggressive, rapidly spreading invasive species. The plant reproduces rapidly by seeds, forming large grasslands, thereby changing habitat conditions, which greatly reduces the diversity of native species. Although the name contains the word "borscht", it will not make soup. It is a poisonous plant. Sosnovsky borscht juice, which gets on the skin and is exposed to sunlight, causes severe skin burns. The plant also harms many herbivores.
Persons exterminating Sosnovskii borscht must cover all exposed parts of the body, have protective equipment: rubber boots, waterproof synthetic clothing, gloves, safety glasses and a respirator.
