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This study explores plant communities dominated by the invasive species Fallopia x bohemica (Bohemian Knotweed) in Bulgaria. Using field data from 91 locations, an analysis identified the association Reynoutrietum japonicae within the alliance Aegopodion podagrariae. That association is recorded for the first time in Bulgaria. The vegetation is characteristically dominated by the Bohemian Knotweed species, which forms dense stands with low species richness. It mainly occurs in disturbed areas, such as riverbanks, roadsides and abandoned spots. This study contributes to understanding the distribution and composition of plant communities dominated by that invasive species. The negative impact of Bohemian Knotweed on the native flora and vegetation is also highlighted, with an emphasis on the need in control measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study aims at revealing the forest habitat diversity of Godech Municipality, according to the EUNIS habitat classification. Initial data was collected from the Ministry of Environment and Water and the Forestry Management Plans. Subsequently, 418 vegetation plots (relevés) and 3422 verification points were collected during the fieldwork seasons of 2019 and 2020. The research territory is situated in Western Bulgaria in close proximity to the country's border with the Republic of Serbia. Forests cover a total of 144.85 km2. Their phytocoenoses are dominated by Fagus sylvatica L. (59.22 km2), Quercus cerris L. (14.85 km2), Carpinus betulus L. (4.94 km2), Quercus dalechampii Ten. (2.39 km2), Q. frainetto Ten. (2.99 km2). There are plantations with Pinus nigra J. F. Arnold (20.87 km2), P. sylvestris L. (16.06 km2) and Picea abies H. Karst (11.65 km2) also. Forests are experiencing some major threats, such as logging, pollution and fires. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The investigated territory is located in the Western part of Bulgaria. The aim of the presented research is to reveal the diversity of grassland habitats in Godech Municipality. Following the Braun-Blanquet approach, 418 relevés were collected during the 2019-2020 field seasons and the grassland habitats were verified at 3422 field points, as well. The latter represent terrain samplings that prove or disprove preliminary habitat interpretation. The following habitat types (eight in total): 6210, 6230, 62A0, 62D0, 6410, 6430, 6510 and 6520 were found on field, according to Directive 92/43/EEC. The main threats are modification of the habitats into shrublands and the invasion of plants species. Some of the habitats are being ploughed and turned into agricultural areas. The results obtained may be used as a basis for a territorial expansion of the study in the neighboring municipalities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study aims to uncover the forest habitat diversity of Breznik municipality, following the EUNIS Classification. Initial data was collected from the Ministry of Environment and Water and the Forestry Management Plans. Forest habitat polygons were spatially processed with the use of the ArcGIS 10.8.1 software package. Field studies were performed to add more detailed information to the analysis. The phytocoenoses of the forest habitats are dominated by Quercus dalechampii, Q. frainetto, Fagus sylvatica, Carpinus betulus. Some artificial plantations with Pinus nigra and P. sylvestris were also present, as well as with non-native species, such as Robinia pseudacacia and Quercus rubra. The results of this study could be used for more in-depth research of the Breznik municipality vegetation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Class Artemisietea vulgaris includes thermophilic and (sub)xerophytic ruderal vegetation, which consists mostly of biannual and perennial seminitrophilous to nitrophilous species, widely distributed in the temperate and the submediterranean zones of Europe. The study presents a comprehensive review of its ecology and syntaxоnomy on the territory of Bulgaria, based on 160 relevés stored in the Balkan Vegetation Database and selected using the “EuroVegChecklist Expert System”. Numerical classification and ordination were performed by hierarchical agglomerative clustering and Detrended Correspondence Analysis. The diagnostic species were determined by calculating the Phi-coefficient. The syntaxonomical diversity of the class Artemisietea vulgaris on the territory of Bulgaria is presented by 2 orders (Agropyretalia intermedio-repentis, Onopordetalia acanthii), 3 alliances (Convolvulo arvensis-Elytrigion repentis, Dauco-Melilotion and Onopordion acanthii), 10 associations (Convolvulo arvensis-Elytrigietum repentis, Falcario vulgaris-Elytrigietum repentis, Convolvulo arvensis-Brometum inermis, Cardarietum drabae, Tanaceto vulgaris-Artemisietum vulgaris, Melilotetum albo-officinalis, Berteroetum incanae, Poo compressae-Tussilaginetum farfarae, Potentillo argenteae-Artemisietum absinthii and Carduo acanthoidis-Onopordetum acanthii) and 1 plant community (Achillea pannonica-Elytrigia repens). One order, two alliances and nine associations were discovered for the first time in the country. All of the syntaxa are well separated floristically and ecologically in the ordination space. The associations of the alliance Dauco-Melilotion represent initial stages of succession of antropogenic habitats and has higher species diversity, whereas those of the alliances Convolvulo arvensis-Elytrigion repentis and Onopordion acanthii represent more stable antropogenic vegetation types and have lower species richness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]