issg Database: Management and Information Links for Parthenium hysterophorus

Parthenium hysterophorus (herb)

Ecology Distribution Management
Info Impact
Info References
and Links Contacts

         Management Information

Control of parthenium weed can be managed using a combination of methods depending on the site, including biological control agents, pasture management, cultivation and chemicals.
Preventative measures: Emphasis must be laid on establishing detection/monitoring procedures and stopping the spread of parthenium weed via vehicles and as a contaminant. A Risk assessment of Parthenium hysterophorus for Australia was prepared by Pacific Island Ecosystems at Risk (PIER) using the Australian risk assessment system (Pheloung, 1995). The result is a score of 18 and a recommendation of: reject the plant for import (Australia) or species likely to be a pest (Pacific).
Biological: Biological control using insects and fungi is being pursued in Australia and in India.

         Location Specific Management Information
Queensland (Australia)
Epiblema strenuana, the stem-galling moth,has been used as a biocontrol agent against parthenium. Examination of the effectiveness of the biocontrol agent, found that the moth did significantly reduce the flower and seed production of the weed, particularly if the moth attacked the weed when it was young (35 days old). In this situation the weed’s seed production was reduced by about 75% and the weed’s height decreased by about 34%. If the moth attacked the weed at a later stage of growth (after 55 days), there was no effect on the weed’s height and only a 39% reduction in seed production. The effectiveness of the moth was even greater if it was applied to the weed when it was grown in competition with buffel grass. In this situation the weed’s seed production was reduced by about 90% when compared to plants that were not attacked by the moth.
Two recent rust releases may provide additional reductions in impact. The summer rust research project received significant funds from the Meat and Livestock Australia ($450,000). Assessment of the impact of the pathogens on weed density is ongoing.

         Management Resources/Links

1. Australian Department of the Environment and Heritage, 2003. Parthenium weed (Parthenium hysterophorus). Weeds of National Significance: Weed Management Guide Department of the Environment and Heritage and the CRC for Australian Weed Management, 2003.
        Summary: Available from: http://www.weeds.gov.au/publications/guidelines/wons/p-hysterophorus.html [Accessed 23 October 2008]
2. Biology of the Weed Parthenium hysterophorous L. Australian Biotypes. Sheldon Navie, Tropical & Subtropical Weeds Research Unit, University of Queensland, St Lucia QLD 4072, AUSTRALIA
        Summary: Information on parthenium infestation in Queensland.
Available from: http://www.iprng.org/IPRNG-parthenium_a&w14.htm [ Accessed: 8 March, 2004].
3. O'Donnell, C and Adkins, S. W. Management of parthenium weed through competitive displacement with beneficial plants. Weed Biology and Management Vol. 5 Issue 2 Page 77 June 2005
4. Parthenium hysterophorus: a review of its weed status and the possibilities for biological control, Harry C. Evans International Institute of Biological Control, Silwood Park, Ascot, Berks. SL5 7TA, UK. 2004.
        Summary: Available from: http://pest.cabweb.org/PDF/BNI/Control/BNIRA34.PDF [Accessed 24 September 2004]
5. Richard J. Schmidt, 2004. The Botanical Dermatology Database.
        Summary: Database of Botanical Dermatology.
Available from http://bodd.cf.ac.uk/BotDermFolder/BotDermC/COMP.html [Accessed: 8March, 2004].
6. Swaziland's Alien Plants Database., Undated. Parthenium hysterophorus
        Summary: Factsheet Parthenium hysterophorus available from: http://www.kbraunweb.com/alienplants/speciesinfo.asp?spid=151 [Accessed 14 June 2005]
Swaziland's Alien Plants Database available from: http://www.kbraunweb.com/alienplants/specieslist.asp [Accessed 14 June 2005]
7. Varnham, K. 2006. Non-native species in UK Overseas Territories: a review. JNCC Report 372. Peterborough: United Kingdom.
        Summary: This database compiles information on alien species from British Overseas Territories.
Available from: http://www.jncc.gov.uk/page-3634 [Accessed 16 May 2006]
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The Global Invasive Species Database is managed by the Invasive Species Specialist Group (ISSG) of the IUCN Species Survival Commission. It was developed as part of the global initiative on invasive species led by the Global Invasive Species Programme (GISP) and is supported through partnerships with the National Biological Information Infrastructure, Manaaki Whenua-Landcare Research and the University of Auckland. Conditions of use.