Invasion Vectors and Distribution of Some Invasive Plant Species in Armenia

The article summarizes information on the penetration and spread of 14 most dangerous or potentially dangerous invasive species across the territory of Armenia, threatening natural biodiversity, natural ecosystems, and, to some extent, public health. It is shown that 8 out of 14 species were deliberately introduced into Armenia as ornamental plants or plants for landscaping of settlements and forest protection zones along roads and railways. At the same time, five of these species are arborous plants. Four species ended up on the territory of the republic as a result of their self-dispersal, and two species appeared as a result of unintentional introduction. The degree of threat to biodiversity and natural ecosystems is characterized as "high" for seven species and "very high" for four species, and three species are listed as "potentially invasive." At the same time, one species (Ambrosia artemisiifolia) represents a "very high" threat to public health. The article proves the absolute necessity of conducting an examination on the threat of invasion when planning the introduction of plants in order to grow them in open ground, first of all, when creating plantations and using them in landscaping settlements and when creating or restoring damaged forest ecosystems and protective forest belts.