Parthenium Weed: Biology, Ecology and Management

by Stephen Adkins (Editor), Asad Shabbir (Editor), Kunjithapatham Dhileepan (Editor), Muhammad H Ali (Contribution by), Sally Allan (Contribution by)

Overview

This book explores the most important aspects of the biology, ecology and management of what is one of the world's worst weeds. Originally regarded as a major weed in Australia and India, Parthenium weed is now widespread in around 48 countries in Africa, Asia and the South Pacific, and has the potential to spread to new countries in Africa, Asia and Europe. This book, which is a collective effort by 27 members of the International Parthenium Weed Network, addresses research and knowledge gaps for different countries. It examines the weed's mode of spread, its impact on agricultural production, its effect on the environment and on human health, and its management using biological control, as well as cultural, physical and chemical approaches. It also considers the coordination of the weed's management, possible uses for Parthenium weed, its present distribution and how this is impacted by climate change. This book includes: A detailed analysis of Parthenium weed biology. Experiences with Parthenium weed worldwide. An explanation of practical management options. This book will be of interest to graduate students and researchers in universities and institutes, in the fields of plant ecology, botany, agriculture, conservation and restoration ecology.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781786392060
Publisher:	CAB International North America
Publication date:	11/07/2018
Series:	CABI Invasives Series
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
File size:	50 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.

About the Author

Professor Steve Adkins is Professor of Plant Physiology at The University of Queensland (UQ). He obtained a degree in Botany and Zoology from the University of London and a PhD in weed physiology from the University of Reading in England in 1981 and has served as a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon in Canada (1981-84) and at Murdoch University, Perth, Australia (1984-88). He joined UQ in 1988 and has spent the last 30 years studying various tropical and subtropical crops and pastures, their weeds and the native plant community. Steve has held several leadership roles at UQ since 2010, including Deputy Director and Acting Director in the UQ Centre for Plant Architectural Informatics. In these roles, he has led initiatives that have improved teaching quality and the student experience, instituted guidelines and funding schemes for supporting the career development of RHD students and ECRs, and established several new cross-cutting research networks in collaboration with key external partners. He has served as Treasurer and for two terms as the President of the Asian-Pacific Weed Science Society. His research focus is tropical plants especially coconut, and conservation using ex situ seed banking and tissue culture. He has been a principle investigator and scientific advisor on more than 50 scientific projects worth more than $12 million. He has published more than 180 peer reviewed papers in international journals including Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, and supervised more than 50 research higher degree and 40 honours students to completion.
Arne Witt is currently the Regional (Africa and Asia) Coordinator for Invasive Species for CABI, based in Wilderness (George), South Africa. He has been an International Project Coordinator and/or Technical Advisor for a number of regional and national UNEP-GEF IAS Projects in Africa, Asia, Caribbean, and the Middle East. In these roles he has worked with countries in developing policies, building capacity, creating awareness, and developing and implementing best management practices, including biological control. He continues to develop and implement IAS projects in these regions. Arne has a PhD from the University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa. He has Master of Science degrees in Entomology (Stellenbosch University) and Conservation Biology (University of Cape Town). He has published a number of journal articles, and authored or co-authored book chapters and books on the identification and management of invasive alien species.

Table of Contents

1: A Forward and an Introduction to the ‘Demon Plant’ Parthenium Weed
2: Biology and Ecology
3: Spread
4: Interference and Impact of Parthenium Weed on Agriculture
5: Impacts on the Environment
6: Impact of Parthenium weed on Human and Animal Health
7: Biological Control
8: Management: Physical, Cultural, Chemical
9: Coordination of Management
10: Parthenium weed: Uses and Abuses
11: History and Management - Australia and Pacific
12: History and Management – Southern Asia
13: History and Management in East and South-East Asia
14: History and Management – Southern Africa and Western Indian Ocean Islands
15: History and Management – East and North Africa, and the Middle East
16: Conclusions