Biological control

Abstract

Parthenium weed (Parthenium hysterophorus) is susceptible to herbivory, but there are no herbivores or pathogens in the introduced ranges that are known to exert any critical impact on parthenium weed. Classical biological control, using host-specific (highly selective) natural enemies introduced from the native range of the plant, to cause vegetative or reproductive suppression, is the most cost-effective, long-term management option for parthenium weed. This chapter focuses on biological control of parthenium weed. It covers key biological control agents available for the management of the weed, which are mainly based on Australian initiatives. This chapter also encompasses introduction history and status of parthenium weed biological control agents in other parts of the world, for example Eastern and South Africa, South Asia and the Pacific Islands. For effective management of parthenium weed, integrating various biological control options that include classical biological control, mycoherbicides and suppressive plants with management tools such as chemical, physical, grazing management and cultural management is desirable.