PARTHENIUM WEED

INTRODUCTION :

Common Name: "Gajar booti"
Relevant Crops: "Maize, Sorghum, Pulses, Citrus"
"Parthenium hysterophorus" is a noxious plant, inhabits many parts of the world. This is a weed of global significance responsible for severe human and animal health issues such as dermatitis, asthma, bronchitis and agricultural losses besides a great problem of biodiversity.

PREVENTION :

*Remove Parthenium from roadsides, waterlands, field boundries and other areas that serve as sources of invasion.
*Use certified crop seeds.
*Wash vehicles, machinery and handtools and instruments before and after use in the field.
*Do not use Parthenium as a packing material for fruits, vegetables and animal transportation to the market.
*Grow green manure crops like Jantar or Alfalfa during fallow period of land.

MONITORING :

*Check the crop field once per week for Parthenium.
*If found, don't allow it to flower or set seeds.
*Parthenium grows very qickly so uproot the plant as soon as you see it.
*Check water channel edges, paths, vehicle tracks for the Parthenium rosette especially after rain.

DIRECT CONTROL :

*Remove Parthenium as early as possible by hand pulling(try to get roots as well) by wearing gloves and long-sleeve clothes.
*Burn the weeds when plants are dry.
*Repeat harrowing once before sowing crop(DAB Method).
*Repeat physical amd cultural practices amd control measures over a five season long period.