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

Abstract

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.