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PARTHENIUM INVASION IN PAKISTAN – A THREAT STILL UNRECOGNIZED

ASAD SHABBIR^* AND RUKHSANA BAJWA

Abstract: Parthenium weed (Parthenium hysterophorus L) an alien invasive weed species, is spreading throughout Pakistan. Worldwide, it has been designated as one of the most troublesome weed species. The adverse effects of this weed on human beings, livestock, crop production and biodiversity are well documented. Due to a lack of information on its spread in Pakistan since its invasion, a phytosociological survey with special reference to parthenium weed was carried out in Islamabad during August-October. 2002. Six main sectors of Islamabad were selected for sampling. The phytosociological survey of these sectors of Islamabad revealed a total of 30 weed species reported along with P. hysterophorus. The survey also showed a high relative frequency, relative density and importance value of P. hysterophorus in general, however, the percentage relative frequency of weed in these sectors ranged from 13.5% to 39.1%. This survey revealed that P. hysterophorus had an appreciable degree of sociability with Senna occidentalis (L.). Link, Desmostachya bipinnata L. Stapf., and Lantana camara L., in these sectors. Data on the association of L. camara with P. hysterophorus suggests that a transition phase of competition or succession is in progress between these two alien species. The population of many common medicinal plants growing in the wastelands of Islamabad may rapidly decline due to the aggressive colonization by Parthenium weed. The ever-increasing infestation of this weed in urban areas also poses a serious threat to the health of the inhabitants of Islamabad.

Institute of Mycology and Plant Pathology, University of the Punjab Quaid-e-Azam Campus, Lahore, Pakistan.