PJB-2018-545
PUBLIC KNOWLEDGE, PERCEPTIONS, AND MANAGEMENT PRACTICES OF THE INVASIVE WEED, PARTHENIUM HYSTEROPHORUS IN DISTRICT SHEIKHUPURA, PUNJAB PROVINCE, PAKISTAN
DR. KAUSER KHAN
Abstract
This paper reports for the first time on public’s knowledge, perceptions and management practices of the Parthenium weed in district Sheikhupura, Pakistan An exploratory survey was conducted to assess knowledge and perceptions of Parthenium weed in rural, peri-urban and in urban environments by interviewing the community members. The questions touched on the public’s opinions of biological control, their information needs and how they receive it. First, many participants did not know about the weed itself, and over half were not aware of its skin disease and allergenic properties. Second, of the rural participants who were aware of the weed, many did not view it negatively, using it as fodder, or even eating it to combat diabetes. There were no significant differences according to gender. Parthenium hysterophorus, an annual herb native to the South America, has achieved major weed status in Pakistan during the last 15-20 years. It has now become a major wasteland weed and is rapidly replacing the native flora. The present survey concludes that Parthenium has become one of the major weeds in district Sheikhupura. Awareness of the long-term negative impact of alien plant species is almost non-existent. The findings of study revealed that Parthenium weed not only causes problems in crop and fodder productivity but also poses serious threat to biodiversity, animal production and health. There is an urgent need to respond appropriately to stop its further spread in the area.
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