Invasive plant species in the communities of highways in the Southern Urals

The article presents the results of investigations of invasive plant species on the road slopes of the Southern Urals within the Orenburg region and the Republic of Bashkortostan. In communities 34 invasive plant species were observed, of which the greatest floristic diversity (15 species) is characterized by species of 3 invasive status. 16 species form cenoses (syntaxa), 18 are constant species in plant communities. Ambrosia psylostachya , Ambrosia trifida , Iva xanthiifolia , Hordeum jubatum pose the greatest threat to the surrounding ecosystems. Highways are peculiar corridors allowing the spread of alien plant species over long distances and penetrating different natural zones and, accordingly, types of natural vegetation.