Germination and growth responses of Parthenium Hysterophorus in different soil textures and burial depths

Abstract

Parthenium hysterophorus also known as Rumpai Miang Mexico is a problematic weed because it can cause biodiversity imbalance, crop yield decline and hazards to human and animal's health. The weed is native to South and North America but now has invaded more than 34 countries including Malaysia. The infestation continues to happen but the difficult-to-control nature of this weed raises great concern about potential spread into other areas. Environmental factors such as soil textures and burial depth also influenced the adaptation of Parthenium weed to infest an area. Unfortunately, little information on germination and growth of Parthenium weed in different soil textures and burial depths in Malaysian environment. An understanding of seed germination and emergence can aid to predict ecological range and potential for spreading into new areas.