Parthenium hysterophorus Linn. (Asteraceae) considered a serious weed in several tropical and subtropical countries across the world is supposed to have originated in North East Maxico. The weed shows a drastic impact on other plants as a strong competitor and creates health hazards in humans and animals. It is an aggressive invasive weed, threatening natural ecosystems and agroecosystems in over 30 countries worldwide. Parthenium weed causes losses of crops and pastures, degrading the biodiversity of natural plant communities. Various management approaches (namely cultural, mechanical, chemical and biological control) have been used to minimise losses caused by this weed, but most of these approaches are ineffective and uneconomical and/or have limitations. Although chemical control using herbicides and biological control utilising exotic insects (Zygogramma bicolorata Pallister) and pathogens (Puccinia abrupta var. partheniicola) have been found to contribute to the management of the weed, the weed nevertheless remains a significant problem. The weed utility approach is proposed here for the effective management of parthenium weed on a sustainable basis.
