First parthenium biocontrol agent approved for release in Pakistan
The stem boring weevil Listronotus steosipennis has been approved for release as a biocontrol agent for the management of Parthenium hysterophorus in Pakistan. Parthenium has spread throughout much of the country causing problems in both rural and urban areas. It is hoped this weevil will prove a sustainable and effective management option for this invasive…
Hyperspectral data can discern invasive Parthenium hysterophorus weed from other crops and plant species
Parthenium hysterophorus is a nasty noxious weed – considered the seventh most devastating weed across the globe – that not only poses a serious threat to food security but also to livestock and human health.
CABI to take part in Feed the Future’s webinar on Biocontrol of Parthenium
CABI scientist Dr Kazam Ali is to share his expertise on a panel of researchers who are taking part in a Biocontrol of Parthenium webinar hosted by the Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Integrated Pest Management. Other members of the panel for the webinar, which will take place on Tuesday, March 30, from 7am…
Establishing parthenium leaf beetle (Zygogramma bicolorata) at new sites in Pakistan
Parthenium weed (Parthenium hysterophorus) is an aggressive herbaceous plant native to north-east Mexico and is endemic in America, with no economic importance reported. This invasive weed has spread to over 50 countries, including Pakistan. Parthenium is prolific, yielding thousands of small white flowers each forming five seeds and on reaching maturity results in a huge number of…
‘A consortium is needed to combat the menace of Parthenium in Pakistan’
CABI in Pakistan, in collaboration with the University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF), arranged a seminar on ‘Research–academia linkages on parthenium’ held at New Senate Hall, on 9th June. Addressing the participants, UAF Vice Chancellor Prof. Muhammad Ashraf explained that parthenium is spreading at an alarming rate across the country and there is a clear need for…
Using online workshops to ensure the fight against invasive species continues in Pakistan
As the global COVID-19 pandemic continues, CABI is ensuring that efforts to combat invasive species are continuing. The CABI centre in Pakistan organized a one-day online workshop on the development of Pest Management Decision Guides (PMDGs) and Technical Briefs on the invasive pests: fall armyworm, parthenium weed, and Tuta absoluta.
Rooting out ‘monster’ invasive weeds and pests from space
This article was originally published on SciDev.Net. Read the original article. Parthenium is a highly invasive weed that has spread to about 50 countries worldwide, threating agricultural productivity, biodiversity, ecosystems, and human and animal health. A major struggle to eliminate, parthenium can have heart-breaking impacts – it has been estimated to cause crop yield losses…
Is parthenium’s stem boring weevil safe for release in Pakistan? An update on host range testing
Native to tropical America, Parthenium hysterophorus, commonly known as parthenium, has invaded and become a major weed in over 50 countries. Parthenium has covered thousands of hectares of productive and range land in Pakistan. It is an annual herb which effects agriculture, damages biodiversity, affects human and animal health and adversely impacts economic development.