The Distribution and Ecological Impacts of Parthenium Hysterophorus L. (Asteraceae), An Invasive Species in Kombolcha City Administration, South Wollo, Ethiopia
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Date
2016-08
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Parthenium hysterophorus L. (Asteraceae) (tribe: Heliantheae), is an erect and much
branched annual or ephemeral herb, known for its notorious role as environmental,
medical, and agricultural hazards. It invade large areas globally and threatening native
biodiversity. P.hysterophonrus is believed to have been introduced to Ethiopia in 1988 at
the Eastern part of the country (Deredwa and Harargie). The study was conducted in
Kombolcha city administration (KCA), South Wollo, Ethiopia. Since its introduction to
the study area (KCA), parthenium weed has been spread in an alarming rate in the rural
areas. The main objective of this study is to identify and describe the distribution and
ecological impacts of the invasive species P. hysterophorus and to create awareness to
the residents on its negative impacts in the ecosystem and biodiversity. The results of the
research suggested that parthenium weed have been distributed largely in uncultivated
areas, road sides, grazing areas, riversides and farm areas respectively. The impact of
P.hysterophoruson other plants is investigated by comparing plant species grown in
association with parthenium and plant species grown in the absence of parthenium.
Quedrats were used to identify the diversity of species in parthenium infested areas. A
total of 37 species were identified and the diversity of species in the infested areas of
different samples sites was computed using Shannon’s diversity index. The result showed
that the diversity of species in parthenum infested areas is low. Hence, creating proper
awareness to the residents particularly farmers in the study area on its distribution and
negative impacts would be the best option to control further invasion of new valuable
lands by P.hysterphorus
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The Distribution and Ecological Impacts