Ecological Traits and Socio-Economic Impacts of the Alien Invader Weed Parthenium hysterophorus L. in South Africa’s Rangeland Ecosystems: A Review

Abstract

Parthenium hysterophorus L. (Asteraceae), commonly known as famine weed in South Africa, is one of the most invasive weeds worldwide, accountable for losses to biodiversity, agriculture, the economy, and the health of livestock and human beings. The spread of this weed is not easy to manage or reverse. With globalization, trade, and human movement, it will continue to spread, allowing its range to expand into new areas. This weed has serious adverse effects on rangeland and agricultural crop production. Because of its unique characteristics, its invasiveness and competitive success rates are attributed to its high reproductive ability, fast growth rate, tolerance to environmental stresses, climate change adaptability, allelopathic potential, and unpalatability to animals. Parthenium hysterophorus dominates diverse habitats by spreading quickly as a contaminant of grain and other crop products and through farm machinery. It is widely distributed and has become problematic in various countries, including South Africa. It has successfully invaded several provinces in the country since its introduction in 1880. Since plant invasions are not universal, this study aimed to review research that has been conducted on the aggressive weed P. hysterophorus to understand the ecological characteristics that enable its successful establishment, the economic costs associated with its detrimental impacts, and to briefly assess knowledge gaps to improve its management strategies.