POTENTIAL THREAT OF ALIEN INVASIVE SPECIES: PARTHENIUM HYSTEROPHORUS L. TO SUBSISTENCE AGRICULTURE IN ETHIOPIA

Labeled as one of the world’s most serious invasive plants, spreading over Australia, Asia, and Africa during the present century, recent unabated expansion of Parthenium hysterophorus (Asteraceae) was described in the western parts of Ethiopia. In a two-year survey, Parthenium hysterophorus has been found to spread vigorously in Ambo of Oromia Region, Ethiopia, mostly along the roadsides. Though literature survey indicated a serious problem of crop fields, range lands and other habitats, evidences from this survey indicate that in the study area it is spreading along the highway and still in the early stage of invasion. Population of this weed is rapidly expanding along the roadsides. Results indicated that there is enough knowledge and awareness among the agriculture workers but farmers and students lack adequate information. Absence of effective control measure in the region was noted and the needs of long term, well planned integrated control activities are suggested.