This book has been a collective effort by 26 members of the International Parthenium Weed Network, which is an International network of expert volunteers devoted to creating awareness about the parthenium weed (Parthenium hysterophorus) threat, and to sharing information on how to reduce its...

This chapter provides comprehensive information on the overall biology and ecology of parthenium weed (Parthenium hysterophorus). It provides specific details on the taxonomy, plant distinguishing characteristics, its likely centre of origin, genetics and intraspecific diversity, growth,...

This chapter deals with how parthenium weed (Parthenium hysterophorus), with a humble origin in the neotropics, has ended up as a global weed with a pantropical distribution spreading across about 48 countries in the last five to six decades. The chapter specifically deals with the spread pathways...

This chapter deals with various human and animal health impacts of pathenium weed (Parthenium hysterophorus). Diseases caused by the weed include dermatitis, rhinitis, asthma and atopic dermatitis. The detrimental health effects of parthenium weed are attributed to the sesquiterpene lactones and in ...

The ecology of parthenium weed (Parthenium hysterophorus), particularly its persistent soil seed bank, the multiple dispersal mechanisms and the ability to reach reproductive maturity quickly, allows it to persist in areas following initial control activities. To attain the desired level of...

In this chapter, the critically important role that coordination and awareness can play in managing parthenium weed (Parthenium hysterophorus) is addressed. Of all the invaded countries, only Australia and South Africa have put in place well-developed national coordinated strategies for the...

There has been a debate about the potential role of utilization in management of parthenium weed (Parthenium hysterophorus). A large volume of published material is available on potential uses of this weed and opportunities for further exploitation. This chapter critically reviews this published...

Parthenium weed (Parthenium hysterophorus) is now recognized as a major invasive weed worldwide. Yet in the 1950s, when it was first discovered in Australia, it was an almost unknown plant. International research on parthenium weed did not start until the 1970s, after reports of increasing health...

This chapter draws conclusions and makes future recommendations on the management of parthenium weed (Parthenium hysterophorus), based on extensive information reviewed in different chapters of the book. There are some research gaps, particularly in quantification of economic losses and health...

Research on parthenium weed (Parthenium hysterophorus) is in progress in many countries, including Australia, India, South Africa, Ethiopia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, China, Sri Lanka and Nepal. This book, with contributions from expert researchers with extensive involvement in parthenium weed research ...