Features of the geographical distribution of weeds in Stavropol Territory, Russia

Abstract

Aim: to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the phytosanitary status in Stavropol Territory for the period from 1996 to 2019–2025. The features of the distribution of one of the leading quarantined weeds of the region – ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia L.) for the period from 1996 to 2019–2025 are analysed. The study used an integrated approach, including a systematic, statistical, analytical and computational research method. Additionally, integral methods were used that take into account natural and climatic factors affecting crop productivity and the spread of organisms associated with biological threats. The research materials were mainly official data from the Rosselkhoznadzor, scientific publications published in the open press, as well as on the websites of specialised research organizations. The spread of ragweed in Stavropol Territory demonstrates a steady negative growth trend. In the region in 2025, weed occupied 702 thousand hectares, i.e. over 11 % of agricultural land. In recent years, there has been a clear trend towards an increase in areas affected by ragweed. In 1996, ragweed foci were identified and occupied tens to hundreds of hectares, and by 2025, in 23 municipal districts, more than 50 % of the territory was in the quarantine zone, with Shpakovsky (114 thousand hectares) and Petrovsky (64 thousand hectares) districts becoming most affected in the area of infection. There are several reasons for this increase in the spread of these weeds: climatic changes (dynamics of temperature, precipitation, humidity, reduction of forest-steppe zones and expansion of steppe and dry-steppe territories), as well as features of intensification of economic activity in the region.