Wetlands have historically functioned as important reservoirs of water in the landscape, natural climate regulators, and refuges for diverse — yet increasingly endangered — wetland communities. In recent decades, however, these habitats have faced severe degradation caused by eutrophication, overgrowth, and the spread of invasive or expansive plant species such as Phragmites australis, Symphyotrichum lanceolatum, and Solidago spp. These processes lead to the transformation of originally species-rich communities into monodominant stands of low ecological value.

The proposed project introduces an innovative approach to the management of degraded lowland meadow wetlands threatened by the absence of appropriate care. It explores the use of hemiparasitic plants (Odontites vernus, Melampyrum arvense) as a natural tool for suppressing invasive species, in combination with mowing or cattle grazing. These hemiparasites, native to Central European meadows and wetlands, represent an example of so-called biotic resistance to biological invasions. We hypothesize that their action, when complemented by traditional management practices, will lead to a more effective reduction of invasive plants, support native vegetation, and consequently enhance the biodiversity of both plant and animal wetland communities.

The project applies a multidisciplinary approach, enabling comprehensive biodiversity monitoring and the evaluation of the effectiveness of implemented measures. The outcomes will be applicable for planning and improving wetland management both within the Czech Republic and through international cooperation.

This research is conducted within the TA ČR project SS06010152, which has been successfully extended under the TAP Action Water4All – AQUA-WISE initiative. Through this extension, Masaryk University has become part of an international cluster of excellence focused on advancing research on the interconnections between water and biodiversity. Participation in this cluster enables the sharing of data, methodologies, and results among European partners and strengthens collaborative research within the framework of the Water4All European Partnership.

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Masaryk University is committed to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, which aim to improve the conditions and quality of life on our planet by 2030.

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