See discussions, stats, and author profiles for this publication at: https://www.researchgate.

net/publication/327912269

Review on a weed Parthenium hysterophorus (L.)

Article in International Journal of Current Research and Review · January 2018

DOI: 10.31782/IJCRR.2018.10175

CITATIONS READS
43 11,663

2 authors:

Lalita Khari Dr Ashok Kumar

Chaudhary Charan Singh University Chaudhary Charan Singh University
9 PUBLICATIONS 44 CITATIONS 39 PUBLICATIONS 137 CITATIONS

SEE PROFILE SEE PROFILE

All content following this page was uploaded by Dr Ashok Kumar on 25 March 2019.

The user has requested enhancement of the downloaded file.

 International Journal of Current Research and Review Review Article
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.31782/IJCRR.2018.10175

Review on a weed Parthenium

IJCRR
hysterophorus (L.)
Section: Life
Sciences
Sci. Journal Impact
Factor: 5.385 (2017) Lalita1, Ashok Kumar2
ICV: 71.54 (2015)
1
Ph.D scholar, Department of Botany, CCS University, Meerut, U.P., India; 2Assistant Professor, Department of Botany, CCS University, Meerut,
U.P., India.

ABSTRACT
In the present time we are facing the infestation of Parthenium hysterophorus everywhere. It is available in stocks around the
railway tracks, in bare lands, in agriculture fields, in orchards and forests, it invade major portion of Indian continental. We are
familiar with Parthenium hysterophorus noxious properties and want to control its infestation. However, only controlling its growth
is not a solution to remove it but it can be managed via its utilization for different purposes. Recently a lot of research has been
going on to explore the utilization properties of Parthenium. This review article presents some properties and utility potential of
Parthenium concluded by various researchers.
Key Words: Weed management, Allelopathy, Invasion, Herbicides

INTRODUCTION wild feverfew, ragweed, bitter weed, white top, and the
“Scourge of India” .This weed with productive seed genera-
Weeds in routine are known to be unwanted in a given situa- tion has high allelopathic impact on neighboring plants and
tion and these are harmful, dangerous or economically detri- competitiveness with economically important crops.
mental having serious threat to primary production and bio-
diversity. Invasive Alien Species are known to be the species Spread of Parthenium hysterophorus has been documented
which are introduced from outside from its origin place to to cause enormous loss to the biodiversity by replacing na-
other countries either by deliberately or unintentional human tive species in the natural ecosystems, sometimes causing
activities. They have established self-reproducing popula- total habitat alteration. To know about Parthenium hystero-
tions in the wild and have caused evident changes in nearby, phorus effects, habitat and its biology have immense signifi-
simulated as well as biological systems.. Invasion is known cance in agriculture. Only with detailed knowledge of this
as very important hazard to biodiversity (2). They reduce noxious weed, it will be possible to controlled and manage
farm and forest productivity. Parthenium hysterophorus is the weed in different ways. Present review explores the pos-
the main invasive alien weed which dominates over the na- sibility through knowing habitat, distribution, biology and
tive species and adversely affects the biodiversity. The word chemical properties of Parthenium hysterophorus.
Parthenium is taken from the Latin word parthenice which
means for medicinal uses (4) (1) Origin and Distribution of Parthenium
Parthenium hysterophorus is native to the region encom-
Parthenium hysterophorus is an invasive weed plant of
passing the Central America, Southern North America, Gulf
family Asteraceae. This erect, short-lived plant known for
of Mexico, West Indies, and Central South America. The
its flourishy growth and its abundance notably in hot cli-
weed has now spread all around the globe including main-
mates. Parthenium is native plant of north-east Mexico and
land as well as island. In India and other countries of Asian
was endemic to America but now it is widely distributed in
continent such as China, Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan, etc,
all countries of Asia and Europe. Parthenium (Parthenium
it has spread on alarming rate. Its spread and infestation are
hysterophorus L.) is known with different names in differ-
severe in some of the countries like Australia, South Africa,
ent countries such as carrot weed, star weed, congress grass,
Ethiopia, India and Pakistan. It was introduced into Asia,

Corresponding Author:
Dr. Lalita, (Ph.D scholar), Department of Botany, CCS University, Meerut, U.P., India.
Email: lalita.khari@gmail.com
ISSN: 2231-2196 (Print) ISSN: 0975-5241 (Online)
Received: 23.07.2018 Revised: 12.08.2018 Accepted: 29.08.2018

Int J Cur Res Rev | Vol 10 • Issue 17 • September 2018 23

 Lalita et.al.: Review on a weed Parthenium hysterophorus (L.)

Africa and Oceania with cereal and grass seed shipment Table 1: Status of Parthenium hysterophorus in dif-
from America during the 1950s (5). ferent states of India.
Name of states Over all spread and
(i) IN INDIA: infestation level
Parthenium hysterophorus possibly entered India in 1910 Andaman & Nicobar islands Low
(with infected cereals germplasm) however, went unrecorded Kerala Low
until 1956. The weed was first revealed in India in 1955 (38) Andhra Pradesh High
and now happens everywhere the (48) in around 35 million
Madhya Pradesh High
hectares of land (23). In India, this weed has serious problem
in approximate all states like Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh Low
Haryana, Bihar, and Madhya Pradesh and Uttar-pradesh Maharashtra High
(22). Parthenium hysterophorus occurred in all states of Assam Medium
country and presenting a serious threat in many states those Manipur Low
have large areas of agriculture land, non cropping areas and
Bihar High
grazing land (25). At present time India has becomes one of
Meghalaya Low
the most infested countries of world.
Chattishgarh Medium
Mizoram Low
Chandigarh Medium
Nagaland Low
Pondicherry Medium
Gujarat Low
Punjab High
Haryana High
Rajasthan Medium
Himachal Pradesh Medium
Sikkim Low
Jammu & Kashmir Medium
Tamil Nadu High
Jharkhand Medium
Uttar Pradesh High
Karnataka High
Uttarakhand Medium
Figure 1: Map showing sites known to be infested with Parthe- Orissa Medium
nium hysterophorus in different states of India. Goa Low
Delhi High

The spread of Parthenium hysterophorus has been reported In U.P. earlier this weed was noticed at Pantnagar oppo-
from all states of India with different intensity. Generally, site to the railway station and has spread to a few agricul-
overall spread in terms of Parthenium density and disper- tural lands and also in Rae-Bareily district and Jhansi areas
sion level is maximum in Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, (10). It grows most luxuriously in some districts especially
Bihar, Punjab, Chhattisgarh, Delhi, Haryana, Karnataka, 00around western U.P. Weed is found in plenty in the nearby
Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh; me- agricultural lands, abandoned land and on the bank and the
dium in Jharkhand, Assam, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Himachal basin of rivers (29).
Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Uttarakhand, Orissa, and West
Bengal; low in Andaman & Nicobar, Arunachal Pradesh, It is very well reported to occur in Western U.P. like Pilib-
Goa, Kerala, Lakshadweep, Manipur, Mizoram, Megha- hit, Puranpur Tehsil, Bisalpur Tehsil, Shahjahanpur, Mala
laya, Nagaland, Sikkim and Pondicherry. However its in- and Deoria forest (Pilibhit) Badaun, Bareilly, Etah, Aligarh,
festation varied in different states and different regions of Hathras, Firozabad, Mainpuri, Mathura, Moradabad, Meerut,
states (Table 1). Bijnor, Rampur, Jyotiba-Phule Nagar, Baghpat, Muzaffarna-
gar, Saharanpur, and other parts of the state (32).

Int J Cur Res Rev | Vol 10 • Issue 17 • September 2018 24

 Lalita et.al.: Review on a weed Parthenium hysterophorus (L.)

There are less data available on the abundance of Parthe- period following the occurrence of mild rains. Its infestation
nium hysterophorus in Meerut district due to less research, is severe in the field where irrigation canals are used. On the
but there are plenty of Parthenium found grown in the bare bank of narrow, human-made waterway systems(water canal
areas, railway platforms and in agriculture lands. or ditch), Parthenium hysterophorus weed grows abundantly
due to the good availability of moisture and its seeds being
(2) HABITAT carried by irrigation water canal.
This exotic weed is generally spotted on bare lands, industrial
areas, developing residential colonies, railway tracks, roads, (b) Orchards and forests ecosystems:
drainage and around the ditch etc. This weed also grows vig- Earlier, it was not known for its infestation in gardens and
orously in gardens, forests and agricultural fields. Due to its forests but at present time it spread vigorously into these
high luxuriance growth, it can produce about 15,000 seeds/ areas. This weed grows luxuriantly in orchards because of
plant, which can disperse and germinate to different area in low weeding practices in such ecosystems. Mango orchards
a large amount. It has potentiality to adjust to a variety of in Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Mahrashtra are fre-
habitat conditions. It infest woodland, open spaces of urban quently invaded by Parthenium weed causing a nuisance to
regions, overgrazed pastures, developed terrains, irritated growers. In Himachal Pradesh, this weed has spread in the
and uncovered zones, for example, roadsides, tracks, and in- majority of apple orchards grown in the lower elevations.
tensely loaded regions, for example, stockyards and watering Similarly in Maharashtra, orange orchards have been in-
areas such as irrigation canal, water channels and ditch(43). vaded with Parthenium weed causing problems to growers.
It grows better in hot climates. High temperature is favorable Parthenium can grow luxriously in bare lands/wastelands
for the development of this noxious weed production. Low and in forests, it inhibits the growth of other plants by which
temperature represses the development of the plant and the local bio-diversity being threatened. Parthenium weed has
seed productivity (33). Under favorable climatic conditions invaded numerous National Parks of India including Pench,
like more than 500 mm average rainfall and 30°C mean tem- Rajaji, Kanha, Bandhavgarh etc. (25).
perature Parthenium hysterophorus can reach heights of 1.5
to 2.0 m. Under dry conditions, the plants may mature and (c) Bare lands
set seed at even heights of only 10 cm. Parthenium hysterophorus vigorously grows in bare lands. It
can be seen growing everywhere either on roadside, around
This weed is characterized by its density and biomass vary-
the factories or mills, platforms and even the lands which are
ing with soil type. It prefers alkaline clay, loam soil to heavy
not suitable for crop production due to their high metal tox-
black clay soils to grow luxuriously (3). Parthenium invaded
icity or scarcity of the mineral nutrients. It is the important
sites mostly have sandy loam soil with pH ranging from 5.4
feature of Parthenium weed that it has a wide range of habi-
to 7.4, water holding capacity 16.8 to 63%, total nitrogen
tat and it can be survive in harsh conditions in which other
0.055 to 0.206%, organic matter 1.134 to 4.24%, phosphorus
normal plants cannot survive. It is an important reason of the
31.86 to 69.93 kg/ha, potassium 74.72 to 746.5 kg/ha(15).
rapid infestation of Parthenium in India and other countries
Parthenium has ability to can grow over a wide range of
as alien weed.
moisture, pH and temperature conditions however it requires
high soil moisture for its seed germination. Reportedly it is
a photoperiod and thermo-period insensitive and can flower (4) MORPHOLOGY
year-round. Seed germination can happen over an extensive Parthenium hysterophorus is highly branched, short lived
range of temperature and soil pH. Further, it is very competi- (annual), upright (erect) herbaceous plant that form a rosette
tive to compete with a number of crops including legumes habitat during the early stage of life. At maturity, but occa-
& cereals. sionally can reach up to 2m or even more in height.

(3) INFESTATION OF PARTHENIUM HYSTEROPHO- STEM

RUS Stem is cylindrical, solid, more or less fluted with longitudi-
nal lines corresponding to the extension of the midrib of the
(a) Agriculture and pastures ecosystems: leaves. Mature stems are greenish and covered with small
Before 1980 this weed was seldom noticed growing in crop soft hairs which are known as hirustle, stems become much
lands but now it has spread too much extent into almost all harder as reach to maturity.
types of agriculture crops, forests and plantation ecosystems.
In Uttar-pradesh, Uttarakhand, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, LEAVES
Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, etc., Parthenium is known as The leaves are alternately arranged and stalked (petioles)
harmful weed of agriculture lands. In crop fields, where only upto 2 cm long founds in two different forms. During the
one crop is grown in a year, it grows abundantly in the fallow early stages of life it forms rosette habitat. Leaves are alter-

25 Int J Cur Res Rev | Vol 10 • Issue 17 • September 2018

 Lalita et.al.: Review on a weed Parthenium hysterophorus (L.)

nate, simple and deeply pinnatifid. The blade is 11 to 15 cm

long and 6-10 cm wide, the blade of lower leaves are broad
and intensely divided in comparison to upper leaves. Abaxial
surface of leaves are covered with short, stiff hairs that lie
close to the surface.

FLOWERS
Numerous small flower- heads generally known as capitu-
lum are organized in clusters at the top of the branches (in
terminal panicles). Each flower-head (capitulum) is borne on
a stalk (pedicel). Capitulum (3-5 mm across) are off-white or
white in color containing ray florets (0.3-1 mm long). They
also have various (15-60) small flowers (tubular florets) in
the centre surrounded by two rows of small green bracts (an
involucre). It can flowered at any time of the year, but com-
monly occur during raining season.

SEED
Five small ‘seeds’ generally known as achenes are pro-
duced in each flower-head . Seeds are black obovoid, 2 mm
long and 1.5 mm wide consisting two or three small scales
known as pappus about 0.5-1 mm in height, two straw-
colored papery structures (actually dead tubular florets), and
a flat bract.

(E) Seed biology, germination and longetivity

After 24-48 days of germination flowering takes place in
Parthenium. This can happen at any time of the year. The
best alternating temperature regime for its weed seed germi-
nation is 21/16 ◦C (day/night). Further its seeds can live for
between 4-6 years in the soil as seed bank. Studies have also
shown their buried seeds to live much longer than seeds on
the soil surface (1).

(5) HOW IT IS SPREADS

Parthenium hysterophorus retain an extraordinary capa- Figure 2: Parthenium hysterophorus (L.) plant and its Parts:
bility to spread grow and established well in wide range of (1) whole plant at maturity (2) Stem of plant (3) rosette habitat
environmental conditions (Monika, 2014). It completes life of young plant (4) leaves (5)a flowering twig (6) plant root (7)
-cycle 90-120 days which helps in quick spreading (20). Its seeds (8) enclosure of seed respectively.
seeds can be dispersed through various methods such as wa-
ter current, animals, movement of vehicles, machinery, live-
stock and the grains or seeds of crops. Further Parthenium
has a relatively short life cycle, grows very quickly and sur-
vives under different habitats. Generally for long distances
it spread through vehicle, agricultural instruments and with
water flow. Parthenium produced enormous number of tiny
seeds which are light weight and can survive as seed bank
in soil for long time (7). These some abilities of Parthenium
hysterophorus helps to spread rapidly resulted in infestation
of Parthenium everywhere.

Figure 3: Life cycle of Parthenium hysterophorus.

Int J Cur Res Rev | Vol 10 • Issue 17 • September 2018 26

 Lalita et.al.: Review on a weed Parthenium hysterophorus (L.)

(5) Causes of rapid spread (iii) Allelopathic potential:

• High reproductive potential This noxious weed suppress the development of nearby
• Fast growth rate plants by allelopathy. Leachate and extract of leaves and
• Allelopathic potential inflorescence prevent the germination and growth of asso-
ciated economically important crops. Kumari et al. (2014)
• Unpalatable to animals
observed that physiological and biochemical parameters re-
(i) High reproductive potential: markably reduced when aquous extract of Parthenium were
Parthenium hysterophorus produce a huge quantity of directly sprayed on the crop plants. Parthenium has strong
seeds with up to 15-25,000 seeds per plant (30) with an allelopathic effects on other plants even it can cause 40-80%
tremendous seed bank, estimated about 2,00,000 seeds/m2 yield loss in agricultural crops.
in bare lands and agriculture field (15). Seeds of Parthe-
nium can survive under harsh conditions and remain viable (iv) Unpalatable to animals:
for a long time period. These qualities of this weed help in Parthenium hysterophorus is unpalatable to the animals.
its fast spreading. Seeds of Parthenium can germinate any Generally animals do not eat Parthenium hysterophorus
time of the year, when suitable moisture is available (46). because of its bitter taste and intense odour (14). Earlier
investigations in India had revealed its serious health haz-
(ii) Fast growth rate: ards to the livestock in Parthenium hysterophorus invaded
It is vigorously growing annual herbaceous weed. Generally, areas. Being unpalatable,it can not use as animal fodder and
Parthenium flowered when it is only 4-8 week old and can its population is increasing day by day unless mechani-
flower for several months. Under unfavorable conditions cally removed.
like salt and drought stress, the weed can completes its life
cycle within 4-5 weeks.

Table 2: Chemical constitution of Parthenium

Chemicals class Major constituents Plant parts References
Sesquiterpene lactones Parthenin, caffeic acid, p-coumeric acid Stem, leaves and pollen Kanchan and Jayachandra
Phenolic acids Ferulic acid, vanicillic acid, anicic acid, Root and leaves Valliappan and Towers
fumaric acid
Sesquiterpene lactones Coronopilin Stem, flowers and trichomes Picman et al.
Minor sesquiterpenes Ambrosonalides,2B-hydroxycoronopilin, Flowers Sethi et al.
1,3-hydroyparthenin
Sesquiterpene lactones Pseudoguananolides Stem and leaves Fuente et al.
Sesquiterpene lactones Hystrin Stem Vivar et al.
Secopseudoguananolides Charminarone All plant parts Venkataiah et al.
Flavonoids Aglycone Aerial parts Shen et al.
Pseudoguananolides flavanols Hysterones A to D Flower Ramesh et al.
Sesquiterpene lactones Acetylated pseudoguananolides Flower Biswanath et al.
Source: Adkins et al., 2013

(7) IMPACT OF PARTHENIUM and the absence of its natural inhibitors such as pathogen,
insects and their larvae, these are the some important factor
(a) Impact on Biodiversity which are the reason of its luxurious growth and spread (22).
This weed has the potential to disturb the natural ecosystem, The concentrations of allelochemicals viz. Coronopilin, caf-
as it can grow throughout the year in almost all drastic con- feic acid, parthenin, and p-coumaric acid which are present
ditions suppressing native vegetation. Owing the absence of in Parthenium have serious allelopathic effects.
effective natural enemies, its allelopathic effect as well as
photo insensitivity and thermo insensitivity, it is a threat for
(b) Impact on Crop production
natural diversity. Rapid spread of Parthenium can disturb
The Parthenium hysterophorus weed has infested in a large
natural ecosystem because it has very fast infestation capaci-
area of india (24). This plant contains parthenin, hysterin,
ty and allelopathic potential which have the ability to disrupt
hymenin, and ambrosin. Due to the presesnce of these al-
any type of natural ecosystem. Species richness, evenness an
lelochemicals this weed has strong allelopathic impacts on
local biodiversity gradually decrease where this plant is pre-
different crops and human being also (11). This weed have
sent, this situation clearly indicates the native biodiversity
adverse impacts on legumes by disturbing their symbiosis
loss of weeds and other crop plants due to Parthenium infes-
with Nitrogen fixing bacteria such as Rhizobium, Azoto-
tation. Its infestation is coupled with its allelopathic potential
bacter, Azospirillum and Actinomycetes. It produces huge

27 Int J Cur Res Rev | Vol 10 • Issue 17 • September 2018

 Lalita et.al.: Review on a weed Parthenium hysterophorus (L.)

numbers of pollens ( Approx. 700 million), which travels India has great risk of rapid invasion of the weed in agricul-
a long distance from source plant to other crop plants and tural lands, for which it might gave proper attention towards
inhibits the fruit setting in these crop plants such as tomato, the remedy to control Parthenium. Many researches are go-
brinjal, beans, and ceraels. Parthenium can cause yield loss ing on for finding the cheap and best way for its control.
upto 40% in legume crops (19). Some of the control measures that can be undertaken in India
are as follows-
(c) Impact on Soil Microflora
Parthenium is known to its inhibitory effect on growth and (a) GRASSLAND MANAGEMENT
activity potential of different bacterial species related to Ni- Grazing management is the most useful method for the
trogen assimilation such as Rhizobium and Azotobacter and control and manage the Parthenium spread on a large scale.
nitrifying bacteria like Nitrosomonas. Aqueous extract of However, this practice has not been implemented effectively
Parthenium has detrimental effects on the growth of Rhizo- in India. Meadow land can be sustain with growing grasses
bium, Nitrosomonas and Azotobacter. It reduced the Leghea- and herbs in them. This may however, requires rehabilitation
moglobin content of root nodules by which Rhizobium-leg- of poor meadow followed by sound grazing maintenance
ume symbiosis is affected. Leaf and root leachates and their programs. Such a practice, however, has a lot of challenges in
chemical component inhibit nitrate production (45). Besides our country due to socioeconomic and cultural factors.
these it can inhibit the growth of algae and mycorhyzzae (b) CONTROLLING OVERGRAZING
associated to crop plants because of its fungicidal property Overgrazing may increase the Parthenium hysterophorus
(Megharaj et al., 1987). infestation. Control of overgrazing therefore can minimize its
infestation to some extent. Overgrazing due to the explosive
(d) Effects on Animals increase in livestocks populations decreases the vigor and
Parthenium weed is noxious for livestock, it can cause der- diversity of grassland that enable the spread of Parthenium
matitis and skin disorders in animals (12). loss of skin pig- hysterophorus weed luxriously. So maintenance of correct
mentation, dermatitis, mouth ulcers with extreme salivation stock number might be fruitful in the control of Parthenium
and diarrhoea has been observed in animals. If excess amount weed dispersal(31). Alternatively, pasture spreading can be
of this weed is eaten by the animals it can cause death. The helpful for rehabilitation of pasture lands which might be
Parthenium extract reduce the total WBC count in animals more effective than simply reducing the weed. However,
wich results in the weaknig of immune system. overgrazing must be avoided Spring-summer period is found
to be quite suitable for pasture sapling with first 6-8 weeks
being quite important. Grazing during winter is generally safe
(e) Effects on Human Beings
since the period has low risk of Parthenium spread. However,
Parthenium plant parts can be toxic to some people it is es- Parthenium may grow and germinate in this time also.
timated up to 73% of people living with the weed are sensi-
tive to it. Females are twice more likely to be sensitive than (c) BURNING
males. Dermatitis, hay fever, asthma, and bronchitis are the Another commonly practiced way of controlling Parthenium
major health problems found in human beings caused by the hysterophorus weed is burning. Mass vegetation of the weed
pollen grains and other plant parts of Parthenium. The ma- can be destroyed by this practice. But it can not be considered
jor allergens found in this plant are parthenin, coronopilin, as safe control strategy for the weed since there is great risk to
tetraneuris, and ambrosin. Its pollen grains are well known to soil, air and existing plant and animal diversity. Parthenium
causing asthma in human beings. Direct contact of this plant hysterophorus ash also has allelopathic effect on crop yield
can cause dermatitis not only site specific but can spread all but yield loss is low in comparison to the leachate and dry
mass of this weed (22).
over the body. Clinically the Parthenium dermatitis can be
divided into five types which are- (d) MANUAL CONTROL
1. The classical pattern Manually, Parthenium weed can be controlled by simple
2. The chronic actinic dermatitis (CAD) hand plucking. But this is not recommended since it might
3. The mixed pattern (classical and chronic actinic der- cause serious health hazard. Further, the seeds may drop off
matitis pattern combination) and increase the area of infestation.
4. The photosensitive lichenoid eruption
5. The prurigo nodularis like pattern (4). (e) HERBICIDE CONTROL/CHEMICAL MANAGEMENT
Chemical management or herbicidal control is the most
(8) CONTROL OF PARTHENIUM widely used to control the growth of Parthenium hystero-
The control of Parthenium weed is a serious challenge due phorus However, now we focuses on bioherbicides but it is
to its vigorously spreading nature. Immediate actions are be- not effective as chemical herbicides till now. Chemical her-
ing quite necessary to eradicate the plant since it has more bicides which are commonly used are glyphosate @ 2.5 kg /
hazardous impact on environment as well as to public health. ha-1, atrazine @ 2.6 kg/ ha-1, bromoxynil @ 0.56 kg/ ha-1,

Int J Cur Res Rev | Vol 10 • Issue 17 • September 2018 28

 Lalita et.al.: Review on a weed Parthenium hysterophorus (L.)

common salt @ 20%, 2,4-D amine @ 3 l/ ha-1, 2,4-D ester in controlling the weed.
@ 4 l/ ha-1, Floumeturon @ 2.24 kg/ ha-1, Hexazinone @
3.5 kg/ ha-1, Metribuzin @ 0.7 kg/ha-1, Norflurazon @ 2.24
kg /ha-1 and Paraquat 0.5 l/ ha-1. These herbicides are well
known for their ability to control this weed. (16, 39,41,27).
The stage and time of the rosette stage is the right time to ap-
ply post emergent herbicides in wasteland, non-cropped ar-
eas, along railway tracks, water canals and roadsides (Khan
et al., 2012). Very effective treatments for P. hysterophorus
control were noticed glyphosate and metribuzin, having
higher effect at 28 after the herbicide application. Applica-
tions of herbicides further divided into two branches which
are as follows- Figure 4: Management of Parthenium hysterophorus by
Chemical, Physical and Biological methods.
(1) Non-cropping areas
Parthenium should be eradicated by herbicide treatment (g) CONTROL BY OVER USE OF THE WEED
early before it can set seed. Small and isolated areas of in- This weed can be managed by enhancing its utility for dif-
festations can be treated immediately. Repeated spraying is ferent purposes. It can be extensively used for biogas pro-
necessary to prevent seed production. Spraying should be duction, as green manure and flea-repellant and herbicide.
done before the flowering when the plants are small. Active Over-exploitation of Parthenium for its beneficial use thus
growth of other grasses could be prompted for simultaneous should be prompted in the developing countries like India
control of the weed. Some of registered herbicides to control where implementation of other alternative and expensive
Parthenium weed are: atrazine, 2, 4-D+picloram (trodon 75- control measures is difficult.
D) 2,4-D ester, glyphosate, metasulfuron methyl (for seed-
lings only), hexazinone, dicomba, etc (CRC 2003). These
(9) UTILIZATION OF PARTHENIUM
herbicides in different concentrations are effective for spot
spray or boom spray or both. (a) Use as a Traditional Medicinal plant
Parthenium hysterophorus accidently entered India in 1910
(2) Cropping areas with the germplasm of cereal grains, and is now considered
Chemical herbicides can be used in non-cropping area with- as an obnoxious weed in our country (37). The noxious im-
out any problem but it is little bit risky to practicise these pacts of Parthenium have been well documented not for hu-
herbicides in cropping areas because these can harm crop man health but also for livestock and native plant species.
plants. So use of chemical fertilizers in agriculture land re- It causes serious effects like asthma, bronchits, dermatitis
quires precautions to choose the herbicides so that it can not (allergic reaction), and hay fever in human being. Despite
harm crop plants. The biological or natural herbicides, like this problem it has also been used in industry for its nox-
the volatile oils from aromatic plants in very low concen- ious, insecticidal, nematicidal and herbicidal properties as
tration are quite helpful on such areas to abort Parthenium well as for composting (Sastri and Kavathekar 1990). The
seeds (42). These essential oils have no or little effect on the bisque of root used as remedy for amoebic dysentery. The
existing vegetation/crops (13). Observations have revealed sub-lethal doses of parthenin extract help in reducing cancer-
that essential oils from different plants such as Eucalyptus ous activity in the cells of mice. Investigations also revealed
sp., Ageratum, Lantana camara etc. can be used for the con- that Parthenium can be used to cure the hepatic amoebiasis,
trol of Parthenium. neuralgia and certain types of rheumatism (40). In America,
it is applied externally on skin as remedy for a wide variety
(f) BIOLOGICAL CONTROL of diseases. In Jamaica, the elixation is used to kill the flea
Biological control might be one of the best methods for con- in animals (8).
trolling the Parthenium weed dispersal. It can be done by the
use of insects which can feed on Parthenium hysterophorus (b) Antifungal:
and we can also used fungi, bacteria and plants which have As mentioned earlier Parthenium have antifungal effects on
adverse effects on Parthenium. The moth Epiblema strenua- different fungal species. This quality of Parthenium can be
na (introduced form Mexico) has been established in all Par- used to cure the human and animal fungal diseases. Antifun-
thenium dominated areas. The moth’s larvae feed on the stem gal potential of different extracts of Parthenium hysteropho-
of the weed and forms ball which inhibit the plant growth. rus against human pathogenic fungi were investigated by Rai
Some other released insects which are found to be beneficial (36) and Rai (35). Fungi related to dermititis found sensitive

29 Int J Cur Res Rev | Vol 10 • Issue 17 • September 2018

 Lalita et.al.: Review on a weed Parthenium hysterophorus (L.)

to sequestoterpene lactone found in Parthenium hysteropho- detrimental impacts on the growth, yield and reproduction
rus and it can used for the remedy of skin diseases (37). capacity of crop plants it cannot used directly. Although,
Parthenium can be used as compost and biofertilizers, it
(c) Antioxidant: gives better results when applied with Eichhornia crassipes.
Parthenium hysterophorus methanolic extracts showed high Observation revealed that Parthenium with Eichhornia not
antioxidant effect. Therefore, it can be utilized as natural an- only decrease the harmfull effect of Parthenium but also en-
tioxidants. It is naturally available antioxidant, if it will be hance its available nutrient content. (17).
commercially available it can replace synthetic antioxidant
Vermicomposting is also a remarkable strategy for the
which have harmful impacts on human health (18). It is more
management of Parthenium, it has also been enhance its
valuable to produce antioxidant naturally after the research
nutrients and overcome the allelopathic capacity (47). In
that synthetic antioxidants have high carcinogenicity in com-
vermicomposting, phenolic components of Parthenium is
parison to naturally produced antioxidant.
remarkably decrease, it also decrease heavy metal pecentage
and toxic substances. There is significant increase in selected
(d) Antitumor: macronutrients (N,P,K) and decrease in organic carbon in
Parthenium hysterophorus’s methanolic extract obtained Parthenium compost,which is suitable for organic farming.
from flower revealed antitumor activity in mice having
transplantable lymphocytic leukemia. Level of neoplastic
(h) Pesticidal effects:
markers like glutathione, cytochrome P-450, glutathione Parthenium have insecticidal activity due to the presence
transferase and UDP-glucuronyl transferase adjusted signifi- of phenolic compounds such as Parthenin. Parthenin is the
cant consequently backing off the advancement of tumors major volatile compound of Parthenium having phytotoxic
and expanded survival of animals(28). and insecticidal activity against different insects such as
Spodoptera litura Callosobruchus aculatus, Cassia tora and
(e) Antimicrobial: Meloidogyne incognita, and their larvae. Pyrazoline adduct,
Parthenium hysterophorus exhibits strong antimicrobial and saturated lactone, and propenyl derivatives of parthenin
antifungal activity. It inhibits the growth of rhizosphere flora showed remarkable phytotoxic and nematicidal activities. (6).
such as Rhizobium, azotobacter, Rhizospirrilum as well as it
(i) Heavy metal and dye removal:
can inhibit bacterial and fungal growth such as those of A.
Parthenium hysterophorus can be used in phytoextraction
niger, F. oxysporum, C. albicans S. aureus, and E. coli etc..
or removal of heavy metals. Parthenium treated with HCl
noticed for the removal of Ni and dye absorbing efficiency
(f) Larvicidal:
from industrial wastes. Although it is depend upon the pH
Use of synthetic insecticides to control insects and their
for example Nickel removal was significant at pH 5.0 and
larvae are extensively used but these are not eco-friendly
its dye absorbing capability can replace the commercially
source to kill the insects and their larvae beacause these are
available adsorbents. Heavy metals which can experimen-
not safe for humans, having detrimental impacts on effects
tally absorbed by Parthenium are Ni,Cd,Cu,Co and Zn etc.
on environment as non bio-degradable and hazardous effect
Activated carbon prepared from Parthenium showed cresol
on livestock. It can cause biomagnification which results in
(a phenol derivative) adsorbing ability comparable to com-
loss of biodiversity. Investigations on Parthenium revealed
mercial grade activated carbon (34). As, heavy metals and
its larvicidal properties which can be used to control larvae
dyes have carcinogenic properties these are harmful for hu-
of different insects such as mosquitos and aphids which
man health so their removal is necessary. Parthenium can be
harm human health and crop plants respectively. Larvicidal
a better, eco-friendly and cheaper resource of dye and heavy
potency of Parthenium aqueous extract against Aedes ae-
metal absorbent. (17).
gypti larvae and other mosquito larvae. (21). The leaf extract
of this weed showed remarkable decline in reproductive ca-
(j) P. hysterophorus as substrate for enzyme production
pacity and lifetime of Lipaphis erysimi (44). However more
Xylans are almost as ubiquitous as cellulose in plant cell
research is needed to explore the larvicidal components of
walls and contain predominantly β-d-xylose units linked as
Parthenium and their commercialization.
in cellulose. Xylans are cleaved by the hydrolytic enzyme
Xylanases. The end products of xylan degradation can be
(g) Parthenium’s compost:
used as a source of energy (biofuel), as a sugar alternative,
The Parthenium hysterophorus is a good source of micro-
textile industry, bakery products and in the clarification of
and macro-nutrients and thus can be used as alternative of
fruit extracts. It can be used in paper industries also. Dwivedi
compost (18). These macro and micro elements are present
et al. (2009) observed that Parthenium hysterophorus can be
in this weed in excessive amount, so due to this property, it
used as raw material for the xylanase production. High level
can be utilized to furnish crop plants. However, this plant
of the enzyme production with Parthenium hysterophorus as
have high quantity of essential oils and phenolics which have

Int J Cur Res Rev | Vol 10 • Issue 17 • September 2018 30

 Lalita et.al.: Review on a weed Parthenium hysterophorus (L.)

a raw material confirms the feasibility of using this weed as CONCLUSION

an alternative carbon source for cost effective enzyme pro-
duction process (9). It can be concluded from the present review article that we
cannot decline the allelopathic and negative impacts of Par-
(k) P. hysterophorus as substrate for biogas production thenium hysterophorus on crop plants and livestock. This
At this time when we face the oil crisis there are require- weed spread more rapidly in compare to other weeds. It cov-
ment of alternative source of energy generation, bio-wastes ers many areas of agriculture lands as well as bare lands. At
can be a good example of these source and has attracted im- the present time of population explosion in India, it is neces-
mense attention. Plants which can be used as alternate energy sary to use lands properly for agriculture as well as forestry.
source(ex.- Jetropha) likely to be future sources of digester It is necessary that we can use every resource of nature for
feed stocks for methane generation. Parthenium hysteropho- the improvement. We can control this weed through its man-
rus can be used for the production of biogas. It can be used agement and it would be happen when we have the proper
with cattle manure and apply to anaerobically digest at room knowledge about the beneficial and harmful effect of Par-
temperature in batch digesters. Production of biogas when thenium. When we have proper knowledge of we can use
Parthenium is digest with cattle manure anaerobically (12). it in different prospective which we have discussed above.
Parthenium hysterophorus can be used as a substrate for the This is not about the Parthenium although it should be apply
production of biogas, it will not only control this weed but can for other weeds also.
be useful and eco-friendly alternate of limited energy sources.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Table 3: Utility potential of Parthenium hysterophorus
Parthenium hysterophorus Uses Authors acknowledge the immense help received from the
source (as used) scholars whose articles are cited and included in references
Whole plant Source of dye of this manuscript. The authors are also grateful to authors /
In phytoremediation
editors / publishers of all those articles, journals and books
from where the literature for this article has been reviewed
Bioadsorption
and discussed.
Plant enzyme extraction for
dye degradation
Oxalic acid preparation REFERENCES
Folk remedies
1. Adkins, S and Shabbir, A., 2014. Biology, ecology and manage-
Source of edible protein ment of the invasive parthenium weed (Parthenium hysteropho-
vermicomposting rus L.). Pest Manag. Sci.; 70(7): 1023-1029.
2. Akter A and Zuberi, MI., 2009. Invasive alien species in North-
composting
ern Bangladesh: Identification, Inventory and Impacts. Intl. J.
As green manure Biodivers Conserv; 1(5): 129-134.
Biochar preparation 3. Annapurna, C, and Singh, J S.,2003. Variation of Parthenium
hysterophorus in Response to Soil Quality: Implications for In-
Plant extract Weed control vasiveness. Weed Research; 43 (3): 190–198.
Nanoparticles synthesis 4. Bailey LH.,1960. Manual of cultivated plants, Macmillan, New-
York.
Corrosion inhibition
5. Bhowmik, PC and Sarkar, D., 2005. Parthenium hysterophorus
Growth promotion in some L.: Its World Status and Potential Management. International
crops Conference on Parthenium Management, Bangalore; 1-6.
In a limited amount 6. Datta, S and Saxena, DB.,2001. Pesticidal properties of parthenin
Feed additive for silkworm (from Parthenium hysterophorus) and related compounds. Pest
Manage. Sci; 57: 95-101.
Plant lignocellulose Substrate for xylanase 7. Dogra et al.,2011. Distribution, Biology and Ecology of Parthe-
production nium hysterophorus L. (Congress Grass) an invasive species in
Lignin extraction the North-Western Indian Himalaya (Himachal Pradesh). Afri-
can Journal of Plant Science; 5(11): 682-687.
Biogas production 8. Dominguez, XA and Sierra, A.,1970. Isolation of a new diter-
Biofuel production pene Alchohol and parthenin from Parthenium hysterophorus.
Planta Medica; 18:275-277.
Pulp and paper marketing
9. Dwivedi et al., 2009. Parthenium sp. as a plant biomass for the
Production of cellulose and production of alkali tolerant xylanase from mutant Penicillium
its derivatives oxalicum SAU- 3.510 in submerged fermentation. Biomass En-
ergy; 33:581-588.

31 Int J Cur Res Rev | Vol 10 • Issue 17 • September 2018

 Lalita et.al.: Review on a weed Parthenium hysterophorus (L.)

10. Ellis, JL, Swaminathan, MS.,1969. Notes on some interesting 31. Nigatu et al., 2010. Impact of Parthenium hysterophorus on
plants from south India. Journal of the Bombay Natural History grazing land communities in North-Eastern Ethiopia. Weed Biol.
Society; 66: 233-234. Manage;10: 143-152.
11. Gunaseelan, V N., 1987. Parthenium as an additive with cattle 32. Prakash et al., 2017. Medicinal Plant Resources of Western Uttar
manure in biogas production. Biol. Wastes;21: 195–202. Pradesh State of India. IOSR Journal of Environmental Science,
12. Gunaseelan, VN., 1998. Impact of anaerobic digestion of inhibi- Toxicology and Food Technology; 11( I): 01-12.
tion potential of Parthenium soils. Biomass Bioenergy; 14:179– 33. Pandey et al., 2003. Growth, reproduction, and photosynthesis
184. of ragweed parthenium (Parthenium hysterophorus). Weed Sci.;
13. Isman, MB.,2000. Plant essential oils for pest and disease man- 51:191–201.
agement. Crop Protection; 19:603- 608. 34. Patel, S., 2011. Harmful and beneficial aspects of parthenium
14. Javaid, A and Anjum, T, 2005. Parthenium hysterophorus L. hysterophorus: an update. Biotech;(1): 1-9.
— a noxious alien weed. Pakistan Journal of Weed Science Re- 35. Rai MK., 1995. Comparative antimycotic activity of different
search;11:1–6. parts of Parthenium hysterophorus L. World Weeds; 2 : 53-57.
15. Joshi, S.,1991. Biological control of Parthenium hysterophorus 36. Rai MK and Upadhyay SK., 1990. In vitro efficacy of differ-
L. (Asteraceae) by Cassia uniflora Mill (Leguminosae) in Ban- ent extract of Parthenium hysterophorus Linn. Against human
galore, India. Tropical Pest Management; 37: 182-186. pathogenic fungi using different techniques. Indian J. Pathol.
16. Kathiresan et al.,2005. Ecology and control of Parthenium inva- And Microbiol.; 33(2): 179-181.
sion in command area. Conference on Parthenium Management. 37. Rai et al., 2003. Plant derived antimycotics: Potential of Astera-
Bangalore, India: 77-80. ceous plants. In Plant derived antimycotics: Current Trends and
17. Khaket et al., 2015. Parthenium hysterophorus in current sce- Future prospects : Howorth Press, N-York, London, Oxford: pp.
nario: A toxic weed with industrial, agricultural and medicinal 165-185.
applications. J. Plant Sci; (10): 42-53. 38. Rao, R S., 1956. Parthenium, a new record for India. Journal of
18. Khan et al., 2011 Nutritional investigation and biological activi- Bombay Natural History Society; 54 : 218-220.
ties of Parthenium hysterophorus. Af. J. Pharm. & Pharmacol; 39. Reddy, K N and Bryson, CT., 2005. Why ragweed parthenium
5 (18): 2073-2078. is not a pernicious weed in the continental USA. Conference on
19. Khosla, S N and Sobti, S N.,1981, Effective control of Parthe- Parthenium Management. Bangalore, India: 61–64.
nium hysterophorus L. Pesticides;15:18-19. 40. Sharma GL and Bhutani KK., 1988. Plant based Antiamoebic
20. Kohli et al., 2006. Status, invasiveness and environmental drugs part ii :Amoebicidal activity of parthenin isolated from
threats of three tropical American invasive weeds (Parthenium Parthenium hysterophorus. Planta Medical; 54(2):120-122.
hysterophorus L., Ageratum conyzoides L., Lantana camara L.) 41. Singh et al., 2003.Assessment of allelopathic properties of Par-
in India. Biological Invasions; 8:1501– 1510. thenium hysterophorus residues. Agric Ecosys Environ; 9:537–
21. Kumar et al., 2011. Impact of Parthenium hysterophorus leaf ex- 541.
tracts on the fecundity, fertility and behavioral response of Aedes 42. Singh et al., 2005. Herbicidal activity of volatile oils from Eu-
aegypti L. Parasitol. Res; 108: 853-859. calyptus citriodora against Parthenium hysterophorus L. Annal.
22. Kumar, S. 2014. Spread, maintenance and management of Par- App. Biol.;146: 89-94.
thenium. Indian Journal of Weed Science; 46(3):205–219. 43. Singh et al., 2004. Control of Ragweed Parthenium (Parthenium
23. Kumar, S. and Varshney J G., 2007. Biological control of Par- hysterophorus) and Associated Weeds. Weed Technology ;18 (3):
thenium : present and future, National Research Centre for Weed 658–664.
Science, Jabalpur, India; pp-157. 44. Sohal et al., 2002. Evaluation of the pesticidal potential of the
24. Kumar,S 2009. Biological control of Parthenium in India: status congress grass, Parthenium hysterophorus Linn. on the mustard
and prospects. Indian Journal of Weed Science ;41(1&2) : 1-18. aphid, Lipaphis erysimi (Kalt.). J. Environ. Biol; 23: 15-18.
25. Kumar,S., 2012. Current spread, impact and management of 45. Sukhada, KD and Jaychandra 1981. Effect of Parthenium hys-
Parthenium weed in India. International Parthenium News;5: terophorus on nitrogen fixing and nitrifying bacteria. Canad.
1-6. Journ of Bot.; 59: 199-202.
26. Kumari et al., 2014. Impact of Parthenium hysterophorus L. 46. Williams, JD, and Groves, RH., 1980. The Influence of Tem-
invasion on species diversity of cultivated fields of Bilaspur perature and Photoperiod on Growth and Development of Par-
(C.G.) India. Agricultural Sciences; 5: 754-764. thenium hysterophorus.Weed Research ;20 (1): 47–52.
27. Mishra, JS and Bhan, VM., 1994. Efficacy of sulfonyl urea her- 47. Yadav, A and Garg, VK., 2011. Recycling of organic wastes by
bicides against Parthenium hysterophorus. Weed News; 1: 16. employing Eisenia fetida. Bioresour. Technol; 102: 2874-2880.
28. Mukherjee, B and Chatterjee, M., 1993. Antitumour activity 48. Yaduraju et al., 2005. Parthenium hysterophorus L. distribution,
of Parthenium hysterophorus and its effect in the modulation problems and management strategy in India. International Con-
of biotransforming enzymes in transplanted murine leukaemia. ference on Parthenium Management Bangalore, India; 6-10.
Planta Medica; 59(6): 513-516.
29. Murthy et al., 1977. Parthenium, a new pernicious weed in India.
University of Agricultural Sciences, Technical Series;17: pp- 66.
30. Navie S, 2003. The biology of Parthenium hysterophorus L. in
Australia. PhD Thesis, The University of Queensland, Brisbane,
Australia.

Int J Cur Res Rev | Vol 10 • Issue 17 • September 2018 32

View publication stats