Parthenium weed (Parthenium hysterophorus) competition with grain sorghum under arid conditions

Abstract

Parthenium weed is an invasive species in a growing number of countries where it infests numerous crop fields, including sorghum. Two field studies were conducted to quantify the effect of parthenium weed on the performance of grain sorghum at different weed densities (0, 5, 10, 15 and 20 plants m−2) and durations of weed-crop competition (season-long weed-free, weed-free after 2, 4, 6 or 8 weeks, and season-long weedy). Our aim was to identify the density threshold and ideal duration to control parthenium weed in sorghum fields. Both field experiments were planned in a randomised complete block design each with three replications in 2016 and were repeated in 2017. Parthenium weed biomass increased significantly with increasing density and competition duration. The increasing parthenium weed density had a linear negative effect on sorghum growth, yield and yield-contributing traits. The highest yield loss, of up to 66%, was recorded at the highest parthenium weed density of 20 plants m−2 when compared to weed-free treatment. In addition, the season-long competition of this weed with sorghum caused 81% reduction in grain yield over weed-free treatment. According to our results, parthenium weed should be managed below a density of 5 plants m−2 and throughout the crop growth duration in grain sorghum fields as it can cause serious yield losses even at low densities and through strong competition at early as well as late growth stages of the crop.

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“…The negative correlation between weed density and growth components of okra corroborates previous reports that increasing weed density reduces crop growth (Ayodele 2021;Bajwa et al 2020). Also, Okayi et al (2017) reported a reduction in plant height, number of leaves and plant weight of okra with increasing density of tick weed (Cleome viscosa).…”

The competitiveness of the invasive weed Parthenium hysterophorus with field tomato (Lycopersicum esculentum) in Israel

“…This prediction is not surprising, as other studies reported a massive reduction in the biomass of grain sorghum due to competition with P. hysterophorus in Ethiopian dryland. Such heavy loss occurs even at low densities of P. hysterophorus, e.g., five plants m -2 (Bajwa et al, 2020).…”

Herbicide Program to Control Parthenium hysterophorus in Grain Sorghum in an Arid Environment

“…Notably, parthenium weed infestations have been linked to significant yield losses in major field crops such as sorghum, maize (Zea mays L.), and rice (Oryza sativa L.) [15][16][17][18]. A recent study by Bajwa et al [19] reported a grain yield reduction of up to 81% in sorghum due to competition from parthenium weed in Pakistan. Similarly, Tamado et al [15] documented grain yield losses of up to 97% in sorghum due to severe parthenium weed infestations in arid conditions of Ethiopia.…”