UAF NEWS

University of Agriculture Faisalabad Vice Chancellor Dr Muhammad Ashraf has stressed upon the need to develop a national level consortium on parthenium research to analyse its hazardous effects as well as medicinal values to protect plants, animal and human beings.

He addressed a meeting on parthenium arranged by the Institute of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development in collaboration with CABI held at New Senate Hall. He said that parthenium is spreading at an alarming rate across the country so proper research work must be conducted. He said that unfortunate, no systemic research had been conducted so far on the said weed. He said that plant gives 10,000 seeds that resulted in its massive outbreak. He said human in contact with the weed can develop allergy, asthma, eyes and nose diseases etc . He said parthenium can be managed using a combination of methods including preventive, cultural biological, manual, mechanical and herbicides. Dr Khalid Mehmood Director Institute of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development said that he UAF in collaboration with CABI had conducted many awareness sessions especially in different villages on parthenism. He said that gloves should be used while removing the weed. He said that we have to look into each and every aspect of the weed in the research work,. Dr Ijaz Ashraf said that all parts of parthenium were toxic to humans and animals. He said that parthenium may emerge as the most hazardous for human and animals’ lives. He called for collaborated efforts and awareness to eradicate it. He said that they had contacted the different universities to begin a proper research on the weed. This weed, which is known as Gaajar booti, is common along roadside, canal sites, residential colonies, agricultural fields etc. CABI Deputy Director Program Abdul Rehman said that local research must be carried out on weed and the ways to eradicate it with quarantine measures, biological control, etc. He said if an animal eats the weed, it deteriorates the milk quality and weight. He said that parthenium weed was being used in floral decoration and frequently been used in bouquets, provoking different disease. The weed is reported everywhere in the country but farmers and public have a limited awareness about its impact on agricultural productivity, human and animal health. He said that weeds are becoming responsible for the ten to 50 percent of agricultural loss in the country. Dr Naima said that it is not only damaging for human beings but animals and plants. She said that the parthenium can be managed using a combination of methods including preventive, herbicides, biological, manual, and mechanical.