Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
fire does not significantly reduce the parthenium soil seed bank, nor does smoke
from such fires stimulate parthenium seed germination (Vogler et al. 2002). In graz-
ing areas, management of parthenium can be achieved by maintaining good pasture
grass growth to maximise competition against the weed. Managing grazing to main-
tain pasture cover/biomass and desirable pasture composition is potentially the most
important factor influencing the amount of parthenium present in native pastures.
Classical biological control has been seen as a better alternative to herbicides in per-
ennial grasslands as well as in areas such as wastelands and forest, where the use of
herbicides is uneconomical. A combination of grazing management and classical
biological control resulted in significant increase in pasture production in Queensland,
Australia (Dhileepan 2007). Grazing management is widely adapted in South Africa
and Swaziland. A similar approach along with other management options (Table 12.5)
is recommended for managing parthenium in pastures and grazing areas.
12.5.3
Forests and Nature Reserves
Parthenium has been reported in various forests and nature reserves in India, Pakistan,
South Africa, Zimbabwe and Ethiopia (Table 12.6). So far the only line of manage-
ment has been to integrate grazing management either with biological control as in
Australia or with competitive displacement as in South Africa. Control programmes
Table 12.6
Parthenium incidence in national parks and forests
Country
Region/state/province
National park/reserve
India
Orissa
Kaziranga National Park
Karnataka
Bandipur National Park
Chandigarh
Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary
Uttaranchal
Mothronwala Swamp
Rajaji National Park
Jim Corbett National Park
Rajasthan
Keoladeo National Park
Tamil Nadu
Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary
Nilgiri Bioreserve
Kerala
Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary
Australia
Queensland
Albinia National Park
Mazeppa National Park
South Africa
Mpumalanga province
Kruger National Park
KwaZulu-Natal
Ndumo Park
Tembe Park
Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park
Swaziland
Lebombo mountain
Lebombo Conservancy
Northeastern Swaziland
Mbuluzi Game Reserve
Mlawula Nature Reserve
Zimbabwe
Bulawayo
Chipangali Wildlife Sanctuary
Ethiopia
Oromia
Awash National Park
Pakistan
Punjab
Chhanga Manga Forest
