Introduction of Parthenium hysterophorus L: Status and Management

Parthenium hysterophorus is now a serious weed of pastures, waste lands and also of agricultural fields growing under varied environmental conditions, from sea level to altitudes up to 2000 masl, in most parts of India. Concerted efforts including physical, mechanical, chemical and biological methods of its control together have to be made at least for initial 2 to 3 years for its effective suppression in the marked area. Individuals should render responsibility to eliminate the Parthenium plants establishing in their surrounding. Establishment of the effective botanical agents like exotic shrub Cassia sericea and other indigenous plants viz., C. tora, C. auriculata, C. occidentalis, Tephrosia purpurea and Kochea indica (suitable for arid region) is a viable strategy along with the release of leaf feeding Mexican beetle, Zygogramma bicolorata. Further, foreign exploration of safe and effective weed killer may be given a serious thought to compliment the potential of Z. bieolorata, in the light of recently introduced International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPM#3). Community based approaches consisting of activity classes for school children, NGO's and others will help in weed containment. Bringing short-term legislation/notification similar to that of mosquito especially in the metropolitan cities may be an added weapon in integrated parthenium management. Appropriate integration of these approaches could contain the spread of P. hysterophorus and provide sustainable suppression especially in non-cropped ecosystem. This may lead to direct protection of environment.