Parthenium hysterophorus threatens food security in many regions of Asia and Africa

Parthenium hysterophorus, or parthenium weed, is highly invasive in many parts of the world. Parthenium weed is considered one of the worst weeds in the world. It is native to Central and South America but is now found in Asia and Africa, among others. In Australia, it has caused millions of dollars in crop yield losses. This is because the weed can produce prolific seeds, germinate, and grow rapidly. Parthenium also produces biochemicals that can suppress the growth of surrounding crops.

In Pakistan, parthenium was introduced in the 1980s and has since impacted crops. One affected crop is maize, a key species with around 1.32 million hectares of production land in Pakistan. The effect of parthenium is very dependent on the context of the area and additional factors such as infestation density and weed-crop competition dynamics.

Competition for resources is not the only way parthenium can impact neighbouring crops. It can also inhibit crop growth. This is because the weed releases secondary metabolites known as allelochemicals. Plants produce these chemicals to obtain a competitive advantage.

Additionally, parthenium can alter the physical and microbial properties of the soil it grows in. The soil then favours the parthenium’s growth over other species. Moisture and nutrients then become limited for the crops also living in the same soil.

Photo: https://gd.eppo.int/taxon/PTNHY/photos

Source: https://blog.plantwise.org/

Error

Parthenium hysterophorus threatens food security in many regions of Asia and Africa

Maria YEROKHOVA

Global Agriculture Market Update: June 2024

Newsletter

UNSW Develops Artificial Leaf for Sustainable Ammonia Production

Illinois Wheat Production Falls While Oats Show Growth in 2024

Cereal Leaf Diseases Make a Comeback: What Farmers Need to Know for the 2024 Season

Promoting Sustainable Agriculture in Tunisia: The Tataouine Initiative

Queensland’s Commitment to Sesame Industry Growth

Young Innovators in Agriculture: 10 Stories of Farmers Pioneering New Paths

Philippine Rice Stockpiles Surge While Corn Supply Declines: What This Means for Farmers

Soil CRC Invests $4.1 Million in Research to Enhance Soil Management and Farming Practices

Resistance to Phytophthora sojae: a main tool of control of this disease

Green Corridor Initiative: Kazakhstan’s Strategic Move to Boost Grain Exports to China

Welcome Back!

Retrieve your password