Скачать или смотреть CONGRESS GRASS - Get rid of the allergy weed! Parthenium hysterophorus

Parthenium is a weed that grows in open areas, roadsides, hillsides, and even on agricultural land in India, affecting the productivity of other crops. The leaves are toxic due to a chemical called parthenin, so, farmers have to be careful to ensure that no parthenium leaves are mixed in green fodder given to cattle.

It is extremely well-adapted to the Indian climate and grows abundantly in most states. It was said to have been introduced in India through contaminated imported wheat, but the plant is now considered an invasive species all over the world.

The name ‘famine weed’ comes from the capability of this plant to invade agricultural land, causing drastic loss of yield. Contact with Parthenium can cause skin allergies in humans and cattle.

The plant grows to a height of 1-2 meters, with carrot-leaf-like foliage, and small white flowers in clusters, that stand tall above the plant so that the pollen grains can be carried easily by wind.

These plants produce 3000 million pollen grains per square meter, during their peak blooming season, which is carried long distances by the wind, causing pollen allergies in human beings. These may include wheezing, skin allergies, swelling of the eyes, runny nose, itchiness, etc.

Most countries have been trying to curb the spread of this plant, mostly by biocontrol methods like the introduction of beetles that feed on the flowers and buds of Parthenium.

Recently, scientists have discovered some medicinal properties for this plant, in the treatment of urinary tract infections, malaria, skin inflammation, and rheumatic pain.

Propagation is through seeds.

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