Mission
Parthenium
Eradication
The mission of Parthenium Eradication is to combat the spread of this invasive weed, safeguarding ecosystems and agricultural lands. Through strategic initiatives and community involvement, we aim to mitigate the detrimental impact of parthenium on biodiversity and human health.
Parthenium hysterophorus L. (Asteraceae), a noxious plant, inhabits many parts of the world, in addition to its native range in North and South America and the West Indies . According to Holm et al. this noxious invasive species is considered to be one of the worst weeds currently known. This is a weed of global significance responsible for severe human and animal health issues, such as dermatitis, asthma and bronchitis, and agricultural losses besides a great problem for biodiversity. It is a widely held belief that the seeds of this weed came to India with grains imported from USA under the US PL 480 scheme, also known as “Food for Peace” which is a food assistance programme of the US government, and spread alarmingly like a wild blaze to almost all the states in India and were established as a naturalized weed. In India, the weed was first pointed out in Poona (Maharashtra) by Professor Paranjape, 1951, as stray plants on rubbish heaps and was reported by Rao as a new species in India, but the earliest record of this species in India goes back to 1814 by Roxburgh, the father of Indian Botany, in his bookHortus Bengalensis . Ever since the weed became a menace around the globe including India, efforts have been made to manage the weed employing different methods such as mechanical, competitive replacement (allelopathy), chemical, and biological control methods. However, the weed has defied all human efforts to control it due to one or other disadvantages. Biological control, the intentional manipulation of natural enemies, insects, bioherbicides, nematodes, snails, and competitive plants to control harmful weeds, is gaining momentum as it is an effective and ecofriendly alternative to conventional methods of weed control
Spread of Parthenium
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Effects on Agriculture
Parthenium weed poses significant threats to agriculture, competing with crops for resources such as nutrients, water, and sunlight. Its aggressive growth can smother crops, reducing yields and causing economic losses for farmers. Additionally, parthenium can contaminate harvested crops, lowering their quality and market value. The allelopathic compounds produced by parthenium may also inhibit the germination and growth of desirable plants, further impacting agricultural productivity.
Effects on Biodiversity
The invasion of parthenium weed has detrimental effects on biodiversity and ecosystem health. Parthenium outcompetes native vegetation, reducing plant diversity and altering ecosystem structure and function. This loss of biodiversity can have cascading effects on other organisms dependent on native plants for food and habitat. Furthermore, parthenium may degrade soil quality and disrupt ecological processes, leading to long-term impacts on ecosystem resilience and stability.
Effects on Human Health
Parthenium weed poses risks to human health, primarily through its allergenic properties. Exposure to parthenium pollen, leaves, or sap can trigger allergic reactions in susceptible individuals, ranging from skin rashes and respiratory problems to severe allergic dermatitis and asthma. The presence of parthenium in agricultural fields and urban areas can exacerbate allergic conditions in affected populations, posing health risks for farmers, workers, and residents.
Help us track and combat the spread of parthenium weed by reporting sightings through our dedicated reporting portal. Your observations play a crucial role in identifying and mapping parthenium infestations, enabling us to target eradication efforts effectively.