Distribution and Biology of the Invasive Weed Parthenium hysterophorus L. in Israel

Abstract

Parthenium weed (Parthenium hysterophorus L.) (Asteraceae; Heliantheae) is an invasive allergenic species that has invaded many countries worldwide, probably through an imported pasture, grain seeds, and livestock feed. In recent years, there has been increasing concern about the spread of the invasive P. hysterophorus in agricultural and non-agricultural habitats across Israel. In addition, as P. hysterophorus is a quarantine plant; any contaminated produce exported will be rejected by the European market. The current study aims to document the current distribution and invasiveness status of P. hysterophorus in Israel. Moreover, we aimed to study the life cycle and biology of P. hysterophorus. In this research, we detected invasion reports to new areas and habitats in the Jezreel valley, the Jordan valley, and the Mediterranean coastal plain. Studying the biology of the weed, we found that optimal temperatures for seed germination are between 15 and 25°C. We observed that P. hysterophorus seeds are able to emerge from a depth of 0–3 cm only. P. hysterophorus thrives under high light intensities. Our results show that under induced shading of 60 and 90%, a significant reduction in biomass, height, and a number of flowers per plant were observed. Studying the biology and phenology of P. hysterophorus is a crucial step in the path to develop an integrated management program aimed to reduce the further spread and negative impacts by P. hysterophorus.

Wild sunflower goes viral: Citizen science and comparative genomics allow tracking the origin and establishment of invasive sunflower in the Levant

“…Continuous seed transfer across the invaded geographical range can increase the rate of spread and reduce divergence. Agriculture and other commercial activities were previously reported as major drivers of biological invasion and spread (Hulme, 2009), also across Israel (Matzrafi et al, 2021). The observed distribution of invasive populations along roads and in proximity to agricultural centres suggest that these factors contributed substantially to the spread of wild sunflower (Figures 1 and 3).…”

“…Seeds from invasive populations are available upon request. Benefits generated: benefits from this research accrue from the sharing of our data and results on public databases as de-, J.,& Matzrafi, M. (2021). Effect of herbicides on the management of the invasive weed solanum rostratum dunal (Solanaceae).…”

Quantifying the germination response of Parthenium hysterophorus at various temperatures and water potentials by using population-based threshold model

“…Parthenium weed ( Parthenium hysterophorus L.) is an invasive weed species, having a serious threat to agricultural productivity, ecosystem functioning, and health hazards throughout the world ( Nguyen et al, 2017 ; Bajwa et al, 2018a , b ). This weed is spreading in various countries of Asia ( Shabbir and Bajwa, 2006 ; Barman et al, 2014 ) and threatening the native flora in a wide range of habitats and agro-climatic regions ( Oudhia, 2000 ; Matzrafi et al, 2021 ). Drought tolerance, high fecundity (2,000 seeds/plant), allelopathic properties, and efficient wind dispersal enable the stable existence of parthenium under harsh environmental conditions ( Bajwa et al, 2018a ; Matzrafi et al, 2021 ).…”

“…This weed is spreading in various countries of Asia ( Shabbir and Bajwa, 2006 ; Barman et al, 2014 ) and threatening the native flora in a wide range of habitats and agro-climatic regions ( Oudhia, 2000 ; Matzrafi et al, 2021 ). Drought tolerance, high fecundity (2,000 seeds/plant), allelopathic properties, and efficient wind dispersal enable the stable existence of parthenium under harsh environmental conditions ( Bajwa et al, 2018a ; Matzrafi et al, 2021 ). Moreover, each plant has the capability to produce an extensive seed bank very quickly, which enhances its survival rate ( Adkins and Shabbir, 2014 ; Matzrafi et al, 2021 ).…”

“…Drought tolerance, high fecundity (2,000 seeds/plant), allelopathic properties, and efficient wind dispersal enable the stable existence of parthenium under harsh environmental conditions ( Bajwa et al, 2018a ; Matzrafi et al, 2021 ). Moreover, each plant has the capability to produce an extensive seed bank very quickly, which enhances its survival rate ( Adkins and Shabbir, 2014 ; Matzrafi et al, 2021 ). Parthenium also had a tendency to long-term persistence in different ecological conditions and different habitats ( Navie et al, 1998 ).…”