Distribution and Abundance of Parthenium (Parthenium hysterophorus L.) in East Shewa and West Arsi Zones of Ethiopia

Parthenium hysterophorus L. is a herbaceous invasive alien weed belongs to the family Asteraceae now recognized as the major emerging problems and pose the greatest threats to native species and ecosystems in Ethiopia. This non-native species, subsequently escaping from their entry points and are spreading at an alarming rate from time to time. Precise distribution of the existing Parthenium hysterophorus is poorly understood and systematically documented. Thus the aim of this study was to generate information for a better understanding of the distribution and abundance of Parthenium hysterophorus in East shewa and West arsi Zones of the Oromia regional governmental state of Ethiopia. The biological data were collected along gravel and asphalt roads at interval of 10km. Relative abundance and distribution were determined. The locations’ latitude and longitude coordinates were recorded with a garmin GPS in order to map their abundance and distribution using arcGIS 9.1 software. The study revealed that P. hysterophorus extensively distributed in study area mainly in East shewa zone where it infest most of terrestrial habitats (Road side, Farm land, Pastoral, around habitation Waste land) and it has a potential to flood all districts not infested currently in the study area. Moreover, P. hysterophorus hinders economic development of the study area and the country at large. Therefore, proper and targeted control methods should be employed to control the further spread of invader and reduce the negative economic impact. Thus proper management action should be taken to mitigate their impact. Keywords: abundance, distribution, distribution map, Parthenium hysterophoru

Parthenium hysterophorus L: Ecological and Socio-economic Impacts and Its Management Practices in Ethiopia: Review

Biological invasive alien species (IAS) are non native species of plant and animal origin, and widely recognized among the greatest threats to ecosystem biodiversity and productivity. Parthenium (Parthenium hysterophorus L., Asteraceae) is one of the invasive alien species. It is originated in sub tropical area of south and North America but currently distributed in most other tropical and sub tropical countries like Australia, India, China, Kenya, West Indies, Israel, Taiwan, Nepal and Ethiopia. Parthenium is becoming a major challenge for developing countries like Ethiopia striving for food security. In Ethiopia the weed is spreading almost throughout the country. But the degree of infestation varies from region to region and dominantly was observed in road sides, vacant sites and partially in agriculture. The negative effect of parthenium weed was reported in crop production and pasture land, human health, animal production and health, biodiversity and soil property. The impact of the weed causes substational yield loss of cereals, horticultural crops & pastures. Parthenium weed affects natural habitat of native plants, and the allelopathic potential of P. hysterophorus is believed to play an important role in the ability of the plant to displace natural vegetation and interrupt natural succession in the natural environments. The soil chemistry and nutrient availability of parthenium infested area is changing as the time is longer. Manual and Mechanical, Prevention, cultural, chemical and biological control strategies have been proved futile individually to curb proliferation of P. hysterophorus. So, integrated approaches are warranted to restrict the invasion of this weed. Currently, even though P. hysterophorus is considered a weed, its beneficial attributes are coming to the forefront. Traditional medicine, Nano-medicine, bio-pesticide, green manure potential, agent for bioremediation of toxic metals and dyes, herbicide, cheap substrate for enzyme production, as source of protein for livestock and source of biogas are some of the recently discovered future implication of P. hysterophorus. So, utilization of parthenium for different purpose is one of the controlling mechanisms. Keywords: Management; distribution; impact, Allelopathy; Parthenium hysterophorus L

A Review on the Distribution, Biology and Management Practices of Parthenium Weed, (Parthenium hysterophorus L.) in Ethiopia

Parthenium weed, Parthenium hysterophorus L. (Asteraceae;Heliantheae), is an annual or short-lived perennial herbaceous plant that native to Mexico, Central and South America. Parthenium hysterophorus was accidentally introduced into several countries including Australia, India, Taiwan and Ethiopia. Young plants form a basal rosette of strongly dissected leaves that are up to 30cm in length. Once stem elongation is initiated, smaller leaves are produced and the plant becomes much branched in its extremities. In some areas it has become an extremely serious agricultural and rangeland weed (Adkinsa and Shabbir, 2014). It invades disturbed sites, degrades natural ecosystems, can cause serious allergic reactions in people and domesticated livestock, and is a significant problem in rangelands, crops and forestry. It is a major invasive weed in many parts of the world, with the potential to spread to many more regions, and it causes immeasurable ecological and agricultural losses each year. It is the major invasive weed both in arable and grazing lands in Ethiopia (Taye et al., 2005). It is an annual diffused leafy herb that germinates any time of the year growing rapidly. It has been classified under the family Compositae, tribe Helianthae and sub tribe Ambrosiinae. In Ethiopia, it was first observed, around Dire Dawa area in 1980s (Fessehaie1 et al., 2005) and it was first reported from Ethiopia in 1988 at Dire-Dawa and Harerge, eastern Ethiopia (Seifu, 1990). Since then it has spread to several parts of the country in alarming proportion, through vehicular traffic, wind, water and urban waste. From non-agricultural areas, it has now entered into agricultural fields (Fessehaie1 et al., 2005). The objectives of the review were to present the distribution, biology, management practices and problems of Parthenium in Ethiopia

The smash of Parthenium hysterophorus L. in the grasslands of Oman

This study examines the invasiveness of Parthenium hysterophorus L. considered as harmful, unpleasant noxious invasive weed in Sultanate of Oman. Since the subject of investigation has allelopathic effects, the author’s objective is to identify its abundance, its impact to environment, human and animal health. Allelopathy of this invasive weed has started to be known and considered by the farmers and harvesters. The harmful and socio-economic effects of the weed to humans, animals and to landscape are not fully known nor understood by the local farmers and pastoralists in the southern part of Oman where this weed is most invasive. Data were collected through field observation, informal interviews, focus group discussions and survey questionnaire. They were treated and analysed using descriptive statistics. Findings prompted the participants to propose possible and practical control solutions for the spread of P. hysterophorus if not totally eradicated, considering the availability of resources, level of awareness and the socio-economic status of the affected regions. The results of the investigation are hoped to improve the over-all management that are being conducted by the concerned agencies and volunteers towards the rapid spread of the weed. The findings revealed that P. hysterophorus has serious impacts on vegetation, pastures and agriculture, as it was observed in reduced level growth of both plants and trees. The possible control measures gathered from the participants indicate that they are willing to cooperate and learn more about the impact of the weed

Invasive Alien Plant Species in the Northwestern & Western Provenance of Ethiopia and Linking Its’ Phonological Implication to Management and Control

Biodiversity loss caused by invasive species may soon surpass the damage done by habitat destruction and fragmentation. Biological invasions are an important component of human-caused global environmental change. Invasive alien species are now a major focus of global conservation concern. The decisions need to be made on whether benefits derived from the invasive spread of an alien species outweigh the reduced value of ecosystem services, e.g. the loss of grazing land in areas invaded with Lantana camara and Senna occidentalis. It is necessary to consider actions to deal with the current problems caused by invasive species and to reduce the magnitude of the problem in the future. The present catalogue on invasive alien plant species of the northwestern & Western Ethiopia is therefore timely one. It focuses on some species of invasive alien plants in Ethiopia. These include the most serious invasives, such as Alternanthera philoxeroides, Cassia uniflora, Chromolaena odorata, Eichhornia crassipes, Lantana camara, Parthenium hysterophorus, Senna obtusifolia and others. I am confident that this publication will be immense value to foresters, environmentalists, field researchers and conservation managers to pay attention on the ecological impact of invasive aliens both at the species and at the ecosystem levels. Keywords: Biodiversity, invasive species, conservation, environmental change DOI: 10.7176/ALST/74-04 Publication date:May 31st 201

Herbicide Use and Increased Scourge of Parthenium hysterophorus in Vegetable Production in Trinidad and Tobago

This chapter highlights a survey of vegetable-producing areas to determine the occurrence, distribution and importance of Parthenium hysterophorus in Trinidad. The weed can significantly reduce crop yields and quality due to its aggressive growth habit, competitiveness and allelopathic interference. Due to its invasive capacity and allelopathic properties, Parthenium hysterophorus has the potential to disrupt the natural ecosystem and threaten the biodiversity. It is a difficult weed to manage, and a wide variety of methods, starting with prevention and containment, is necessary to reduce the incidence and spread of this weed. An integrated approach using cultural, physical, chemical and biological techniques is necessary to be successful. Focus is made on specific herbicides currently being used to manage this weed in vegetables. Despite the negative impact of this weed on the biodiversity, this chapter also explores the potential of the beneficial properties of Parthenium hysterophorous as a mechanism of management

Effectiveness of biological control and socioeconomic impacts of the invasive parthenium hysterophorus in Arusha, Tanzania

A Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master’s in Life Sciences of the Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and TechnologyThis study assessed the methods which are likely to be biologically and socio-economically effective to control the invasive species P. hysterophorus in Arusha Tanzania. A variety of methods have been found ineffective in long-term control of P. hysterophorus. Thus, an effective integrated approach needs to be identified. In addition, perception and socioeconomic consequences about P. hysterophorus by farmers and pastoralists are still poorly understood. The study assessed the effect of a newly implemented bio-control agent, Zygogramma bicolorata, in 4 m 2 field plots. Further a novel approach of controlling P. hysterophorus was tested by using herbicidal extracts of the naturalized plants Dovyalis caffra and Cassia auriculata and compared it with 2,4-D. Finally, 123 farmers and 128 pastoralists in Mbuguni, Olasiti, Murieti and Sepeko wards were interviewed. It resulted that Z. bicolorata, particularly at highest population densities, is capable of reducing height of P. hysterophorus by 87% and biomass by 91%. There was a significant reduction (50%) in the measured parameters after application of low concentration of extracts of C. auriculata leaves and bark and D. caffra leaves and fruits (DcL and DcF). Invasion of farm fields by P. hysterophorus leads to yield reduction by half according to 21% of farmers, and 46% of farmers claimed that their income was negatively affected. Therefore, this study suggests the use of environmentally friendly bio-herbicides since it can foster P. hysterophorus control and emphasize that this method should be integrated with Z. bicolorata in the infestation areas for long-term suppression of P. hysterophorus

Kompostering av det invasiva ogräset Parthenium hysterophorus L. : ett agroekologiskt perspektiv i området Alamata woreda i provinsen Tigray, Etiopien

Parthenium is a serious weed threat in crop fields and grazing lands in Ethiopia (Tamado, 2001). In this study, the perception of farmers on parthenium and composting is explored using both quantitative and qualitative methods. A seed experiment was also carried out in order to assess the effect of composting temperatures on parthenium seeds as this could be a source of spread. Interviews were carried out with farmers in Alamata woreda, south of Tigray with groups and individual farmers. Even though the perceptions differed among farmers, all farmers were aware of parthenium. In the valley where parthenium was abundant many farmers felt that it was beyond their control, and they were not as active in their weeding. There was also a difference in weeding during seasons, with less weeding done in the dry season. In the highlands where parthenium had recently arrived, farmers were confident about removing the weed and viewed it as their enemy. Composting was more common in the highlands compared to the lowlands where only model farmers composted. This was associated with farmers in the lowlands considering their soils to be fertile and the fear of compost associated disease, mitchi. In order for composting to be a possible control method, farmers need to see the benefits of composting. Current agricultural policies promote a top-down knowledge transfer. There is compulsory use of inorganic fertilisers that does not facilitate alternative practices. An agroecological approach is based on the use of several methods aiming to control parthenium in all seasons as well as making it more worthwhile to weed. Other control methods which could be useful for farmers is making silage from parthenium and planting competitive grass together with leguminous forage. This also has the potential to alleviate the lack of feed for animals in the dry season, which in part has increased due to parthenium. The introduction of biological control agents may alleviate the need for weeding in the wet season