Widespread Weed Infestation Traced Across Russian Farmland
During the first half of 2023, investigators identified nearly 9,800 hectares of arable land in Russia overrun by Sosnovsky crabgrass. In the previous year, more than 23,000 hectares of productive farmland were found to be contaminated with toxic weeds. This information was disclosed to socialbites.ca by the Roscosmos State Corporation satellite division, also known as the Russian Space Systems.
The expansion of the weed was mapped using Earth’s space remote sensing technology. Satellite imagery paired with neural network analysis allows researchers to outline the spread of harmful plants, estimate their total area, and guide targeted control operations. In August, the central regions of Russia began mechanical mowing efforts to curb the crabgrass outbreak.
Experts from Terra Tech, a company within Roscosmos Space, produced a growth map for Sosnovsky crabgrass in the Tula region. Remote sensing data indicated more than 1,100 separate weed foci covering a combined 422.8 hectares in the area. The Tula and Novomoskovsk districts, along with Zaoksky and Chernsky districts, were identified as the hardest hit zones by the weed surge.
The plant exudes a toxic sap rich in furocoumarins, a family of photosensitive compounds. If skin comes into contact with these substances and is then exposed to ultraviolet light, it can cause second to third degree burns. Beyond physical injury, furocoumarins are associated with carcinogenic risks, a concern that has prompted ongoing safety assessments.
Scientists have reported progress on a cancer treatment derived from wild herbs, signaling potential new avenues for therapeutic research.
Researchers emphasize the importance of proactive monitoring, rapid-response strategies, and integrated weed management to protect crop yields and minimize environmental impact. The collaboration between space-based observation tools and ground-based cultivation practices demonstrates how modern technology assists agriculture in identifying and responding to pest and weed pressures across large farming regions. (Source: Roscosmos Space Systems, the satellite arm of Roskosmos)