Integrative system for monitoring and control of ragweed in urban and semi-urban areas of the City of Novi Sad (Serbia) – NS-AmbrIneS

Abstract

The consequences of ragweed range spread include changes in qualitative and quantitative composition of natural plant associations, as well as segetal associations in urban and semiurban areas. In addition, allergic manifestations and ailments caused by allergenic activity of ragweed pollen have a pronounced sociological and economic effect on normal activities and functioning of the society. The urban units, and especially cities in Central Europe, are faced with a particularly high-level challenge to ensure the level of everyday activities, especially in sectors of health and education. The experts from Faculty of Science and Faculty of Agriculture worked together with the city government of Novi Sad and public companies to set a unique system named Integrative system of monitoring and control of ragweed in urban and semi-urban areas, which is successfully implemented in the area of City of Novi Sad during a period of almost 25 years. The system has an abbreviation “NS-AmbrIneS system”. Since its establishment it has been upgraded several times and it has shown exceptional efficiency so it was also adopted by other cities. This system relies on maximum coordination of components, trust among all participants as well as self-control and maintaining a high level of responsibility.