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Investigations of age‐based food conversion and utilization efficiencies in phytophagous insects are very few. Studies examining the effects of age, sex and mating status on biochemical assimilation of macronutrients by phytophagous insects are scarce as well. Hence, we designed the present study to evaluate the combined effect of age, sex and mating status on food consumption and utilization efficiencies, and the assimilation of macronutrients by the Parthenium beetle, Zygogramma bicolorata Pallister (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), on the invasive weed, Parthenium hysterophorus Linnaeus (Asterales: Asteraceae). We hypothesized that mated adults would consume and utilize more food than unmated adults, that assimilation of nutrients by old adults would be lower than young adults and that females would consume and utilize food more efficiently than males. However, our results revealed that as adults aged, their food consumption and utilization efficiencies decreased, and they assimilated less proteins and glucose in their body. Despite that, their mean body biomass and assimilation of triglycerides increased. While mated adults had higher food utilization efficiencies and increased assimilation of triglycerides and glucose, unmated adults assimilated more proteins. Females had higher food consumption rates and increased assimilation of nutrients, whereas males had higher food conversion efficiencies and growth rates. Furthermore, middle‐aged adults had higher food utilization efficiencies and they assimilated more nutrients than young and old adults. Our results therefore suggest compensatory feeding in adults of Z. bicolorata with ageing. We also recommend the release of more numbers of mated middle‐aged females to control P. hysterophorus in agro‐ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Farmers are particularly exposed to a large number of allergens including fertilizers, plant allergens, soil, and manure which may be aggravated by sun exposure. Hand eczema can cause significant morbidity affecting the patient’s occupational work. Patch test is an important diagnostic tool in differentiating between irritant contact dermatitis and allergic contact dermatitis and in the latter, to identify the culprit allergen causing hand eczema. Aims: This study aimed to identify the role of patch tests in hand eczema in farmers and to identify the common causative allergens of hand eczema in farmers. Materials and Methods: Fifty farmers aged 18 years and above presenting with hand eczema were enrolled in the study after taking approval from the institutional ethics committee. Patients who were pregnant, lactating, on systemic steroids, and immunosuppressants were excluded from the study. Patch test was done using the Indian Standard series of 20 allergens approved by the Contact Dermatoses Forum of India applied to the back of the patient. The first reading was taken at 48 h, 30 min after removal of the patch, and another reading was taken at 96 h. The results were interpreted according to the International Contact Dermatitis Research Group criteria. Results: Out of 50 patients, there were 28 males and 22 females. Hyperkeratotic eczema was the most common morphology (38%). The most common allergen was parthenium (44%) followed by potassium dichromate (22.7%) and nickel (9%). Limitations: A larger sample size would have helped to better substantiate the findings of the study. Conclusion: There is an undeniable relationship with the occupation of the individual wherein agriculturists and masons had the maximum predisposition. The most common cause of hand eczema in this study was parthenium in farmers and also other allergens played an important role such as potassium dichromate, nickel, and paraphenylenediamine.

Biochar, an organic carbonaceous matter, is a unique feed additive that is now being used in aquaculture industry to formulate a cost‐effective and eco‐friendly diet. This experiment (in door) was conducted over course of 90 days to determine the most effective form of biochar, produced from various sources, for supplementation in Moringa oleifera seed meal‐based diet. These sources were: farmyard manure biochar, parthenium biochar (PB), vegetable waste biochar, poultry waste biochar (PWB) and corncob waste biochar, added at 2 g/kg concentration to determine the effect of supplementation on the growth indices, nutrient absorption, carcass composition, haematology and mineral status of Labeo rohita (rohu) fingerlings. The research design consisted of six test diets with three replications (6 × 3) of each. Total of 270 fingerlings (6.30 ± 0.020 g) were fed at 5% body weight and 15 of them were kept in separate steel tanks. The results indicated that PWB was most effective in improving weight gain (285.58 ± 4.54%) and feed conversion ratio (1.060 ± 0.040) compared to control diet and other test diets. The same type of biochar (PWB) produced the best results for nutrient digestibility, that is, crude protein, crude fat and gross energy and carcass composition. In terms of haematology and mineral status, PWB showed the best results. In conclusion, it was found that PWB significantly enhanced (p < 0.05) L. rohita fingerling's growth, carcass composition, nutrient digestibility, haematological parameters (red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets and haemoglobin) and mineral composition (Ca, Na, P, Mg, Fe, Mn, Zn, K and Cu) whereas PB negatively affected all parameters. It is anticipated that the potential use of biochar will increase in aquaculture industry, as research on its incorporation in fish feeds is still limited. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parthenium hysterophorus, a noxious weed of tropical America, had relocated to Indian plains and rapidly encroached on northwestern Himalayas Mountain regions. Earlier, the plant was primarily found in wastelands, but it now thrives in cultivated fields, pastures, and roadsides. Parthenium weed threatens human and animal health, destroys vegetation, lowers the diversity of native plant groups and causes significant financial damage to individuals and their significance in numerous nations worldwide. Parthenin, a sesquiterpene lactone found in P. hysterophorus, is harmful to livestock and poses a serious health risk to people, e.g., dermatitis and skin rashes, emaciation, tissue rupturing, internal organ haemorrhages and death are the hazardous side effects. Several studies are being conducted to determine the most efficient and reasonable method to control this harmful weed worldwide, including physical, chemical and biological ones. The study revealed that biocontrol of P. hysterophorus was a costeffective, safe and viable technique and poses no threat to non-target organisms, environment and biodiversity, e.g., some allelopathic plants are used to curb the growth of congress grass. The combined effects of biocontrol agents like insects, fungi, nematodes, snails, slugs, and competitive plants decrease the density and vigour of congress grass and increase its production. The work done over the past 20 years on screening and evaluating both insect and fungal agents and the actual and potential employment of natural enemies as traditional biological control agents has been discussed. The study concludes that biological control, because of its affordability, environmental safety and sustainability, could be a significant constituent of an effective strategy for managing weed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The thermally modified Parthenium biochar was used as an efficient adsorbent for removal of Cd from water. Parthenium biochar (PBC) prepared at 500°C was thermally activated by re-heating it at 700°C. PBC and thermally modified biochar (TMPBC) was characterised by FTIR, SEM-EDS, BET-surface area and XRD. The surface area of TMPBC (3.44 m2g−1) was higher than PBC (1.89 m2g−1). The optimum conditions for Cd adsorption was found to be pH, 5.0; biochar dose, 2.5 (g L−1); time, 30 min; temperature 25°C; initial Cd concentration, 100 mg L−1. Cadmium removal parameters were assessed using kinetic (pseudo first and second order) and adsorption models (Langmuir, Freundlich, and Redlich-Peterson). Cd removal followed pseudo second order kinetic model. The Cd removal capacity of TMPBC (129.2 mg g−1) was significantly higher than PBC (59.3 mg g−1). Cd removal by TMPBC (97–99%) was also demonstrated for a surface and underground waters. FTIR, XRD and SEM-EDS analysis confirmed the ion exchange and otavite precipitation mechanisms of Cd removal by biochar. The thermal modification technique could be an alternative for commercially available activated carbons; however this needs to be explored with different biomasses and other elements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parthenium hysterophorus is one of the world's noxious weed and commonly known as congress grass and carrot weed. Parthenium is fast spreading biological pollutant due to its high germination ability throughout the year, large number of seed production, high survival rate, extreme adaptability in wide range of habitats and easy dispersal of seeds. Mycobiota associated with weeds provide essential data for selection of potential biocontrol agent for weed management. Therefore, in the present study fungi associated with different parts of Parthenium were isolated and identified. Total of 35 fungal species belonging to 24 different genera were recorded from leaf, stem, flower, and seed of Parthenium. Maximum number of fungi were obtained from leaf (31) followed by seed (29), flower (25) and stem (15). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parthenium weed (Parthenium hysterophorus L.) is a noxious weed and a flagship invasive that has been spreading throughout Israel and the Palestinian Authority since 1980. In other regions affected by this invader, parthenium weed has been managed through classical biological control releases of Epiblema strenuana, a stem-galling tortricid moth native to North America. More recently, a congeneric moth, Epiblema minutana has been identified from Israel. To better understand the implications of E. minutana for controlling parthenium weed, we investigated the spread of E. minutana within Israel and the Palestinian Authority from 2012 to 2019 and explored its host range. We used a series of no-choice experiments in field cages to evaluate damage on naturalized Ambrosia spp., Xanthium italicum and parthenium weed as well as potential non-target, commercial cultivars of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) and niger (Guizotia abysinnica (L. f.) Cassini). We also evaluated damage in the field, where we found substantial gall formation on Ambrosia spp., but none on P. hysterophorus or other genera. The geographical distribution increased from an estimated 424 km² in 2017 to 1671 km² in 2019. While E. minutana shows promise as a biological control agent of Ambrosia spp. and does not attack the oil crops sunflower and niger, it is not a suitable biological control agent of parthenium weed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parthenium is one of the most common weeds grow throughout the world due to its remarkable adaptability to a wide range of environmental conditions and soil types. This weed plant shows both harmful and beneficial effects to agriculture, ecosystem and human health. Its uncontrolled growth not only negatively impacted on the cultivation of agricultural plants but also causes asthma, bronchitis, dermatitis and hay fever etc. to both animals and humans. It is believed that uncontrolled natural growth of Parthenium may have an overall negative impact on the ecosystem. The Parthenium compost without any of its contaminated seeds is the rich sources of agriculture plant's macro and micronutrients. Additionally various phytochemical constituents of parthenium have usefulness in agriculture as pesticides and therapeutic usefulness in the human society. The present compilation is an overview of the various aspects of parthenium growth both as natural contaminants during cultivation of agricultural plants as well as its controlled cultivation to benefit the agriculture, certain industries as well as overall human society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parthenium hysterophorus L. is a noxious alien invasive weed species rapidly spreading in Bangladesh. P. hysterophorus examined the prospects of using allelopathic extracts during the period of July 2021 to June 2022. Experiments were conducted in the net house at Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, in non-cropped areas of Khustia and cropped areas of Chudanga. The net house experiments were laid out in complete randomized design (CRD) and replicated three times separately for each growth stage. Results showed that by using pretilachlor, pendimethalin, bensulfuron methyl + pretilachlor, bensulfuron methyl + acetachlor, oxadiazon, and pyrazosulfuron-ethyl + pretilachlor decreased the seed germination of parthenium at pot bioassay under both puddle and dry sown condition. At rosette stage of parthenium weed, glyphosate and carfentrazone ethyl (5%) + glyphosate with ½, ?, and full doses gave 100% mortality at three weeks after treatment (WAT). In cropped areas carfentrazone Ethyl (5%) + glyphosate (36%) and quizalofop-p-ethyl resulted in a 100% and 90% mortality rate at 21 DAT. Overall, the efficacy of herbicides was more effective on rosette parthenium than bolted plants. A phytotoxic response to weed growth was induced by aqueous extracts of Oryza sativa L. var. Boteswar, Triticum aestivum L. var. BARI gom-21, Helianthus annus L., Datura metel, Mangifera indica L., Delonix regia, and Acacia nilotica. Delonix regia was the most effective for inhibition of germination (29%). Whereas Datura metel extracts and Oryza sativa var. Boteswar straw extracts significantly reduced root (1.5 mm) and shoot (3.8 mm) length. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parthenium hysterophorus L. is considered an obnoxious weed due to its rapid dispersal, fast multiplications, and agricultural and health hazards. In addition to its physio-molecular and phytotoxic allelochemical usage, this weed most probably uses endophytic flora as an additional line of defense to deal with stressful conditions and tolerate both biotic and abiotic stresses. The aim of this article is to report the diversity of endophytic flora (fungi and bacteria) in P. hysterophorus and their role in the stress mitigation (biotic and abiotic) of other important crops. Various endophytes were reported from P. hysterophorus and their roles in crops evaluated under biotic and abiotic stressed conditions. These endophytes have the potential to alleviate different stresses by improving crops/plants growth, development, biomass, and photosynthetic and other physiological traits. The beneficial role of the endophytes may be attributed to stress-modulating enzymes such as the antioxidants SOD, POD and APX and ACC deaminases. Additionally, the higher production of different classes of bioactive secondary metabolites, i.e., flavonoids, proline, and glutathione may also overcome tissue damage to plants under stressed conditions. Interestingly, a number of medicinally important phytochemicals such as anhydropseudo-phlegmcin-9, 10-quinone-3-amino-8-O methyl ether 'anhydropseudophlegmacin-9, 10-quinone-3-amino-8-O methyl ether were reported from the endophytic flora of P. hysterophorus. Moreover, various reports revealed that fungal and bacterial endophytes of P. hysterophorus enhance plant growth-promoting attributes and could be added to the consortium of biofertilizers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A recent report in this journal from these authors, which shows that vermicomposting transforms a toxic weed such as lantana into a benign organic fertilizer, can be of practical utility only if processes can be developed for rapid, inexpensive, and sustainable vermicomposting of these weeds. This paper describes attempts leading to such a process for the vermicomposting of toxic and allelopathic weeds lantana (Lantana camara), parthenium (Parthenium hysterophorus), and ipomoea (Ipomoea carnea). For it, the 'high-rate vermicomposting' concept was employed due to which the weeds could be used for vermicomposting directly in each case without the need for pre-composting or any other form of pretreatment. The manure worm Eisenia fetida, which had been cultured on cowdung as feed and habitat, was slow to adapt to the weed-feed but survived and then began to thrive, in all the three weeds, enabling the weeds' sustained and efficient vermicomposting throughout the 16 month's uninterrupted operation of the vermireactors. In all cases the extent of vermicast production per unit time showed a rising trend, indicating that the rate of vermicomposting was set to rise further with time. The vermicomposting was found to accompany a 50 ± 10% loss of organic carbon of each weed with a 50 ± 10% increase in the concentration of total nitrogen as also the weed's additional mineralization. The combined effect was a significant lowering of the carbon-nitrogen ratio, and enrichment of all major, medium, and trace nutrients in the vermicomposts relative to their parent substrates. The findings establish that sustained, direct, and rapid transformation to organic fertilizers of even toxic and allelopathic weeds can be accomplished with the high-rate vermicomposting paradigm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Predicting the germination behavior of parthenium weed against different conditions of temperature and osmotic stress is helpful for studying the growth and development history of parthenium in different ecological contexts. Sustainable weed control strategies based on population-based threshold (PBT) models are profitable tools for crop planting date, herbicide application, and tillage operation time. To predict the emergence of parthenium by using thermal time (TT), hydrotime (HT), and hydrothermal time (HTT) analyses, seeds were exposed to varying constant temperatures (5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, and 40°C) and water potentials (- 0.25, - 0.5, - 0.75, and - 1.0 MPa) under a controlled environment. Parthenium seeds showed better responses in terms of higher germination percentage and lower germination time at 20 and 25°C. The use of the germination modeling approach proposed the base temperature (7.2°C), optimum temperature (20°C), and ceiling temperature (42.8°C) for this weed. Moreover, germination behavior was also studied at different water potentials under different temperature regimes (10, 20, and 30°C). The HTT model predicted higher germination percentages (82.8 and 54.8%) of parthenium seeds at water potentials from 0 to -0.25 MPa, respectively, under a temperature of 20°C, and also identified a base water potential (ψb(50)) of - 0.54 MPa for germination. In conclusion, the use of the HTT modeling approach is helpful for predicting the emergence response of parthenium in a changing climate and ultimately supportive in time scheduling of parthenium weed management in cropping systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change is the primary concern of today's farmers, environmentalists, and ecologists. Climate change and its harmful consequences are still poorly understood, and the concept's legitimacy is being questioned. To assess farmers' perception of climate change and its likely impacts on weeds distribution, a field survey was carried out in Jan- May, 2016 in district Swabi, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. A total of 100 farmers from the study area were randomly interviewed through a questionnaire comprised of all relevant parameters to assess their perception of climate change and its impacts. The majority of farmers (61%) believed in climate being changed and its negative repercussions, and they complained about poorer farming efficiency in the new climatic condition. They had noticed climatic variations, for the last 30 years, in the form of summers extension, winters flexion, unexpected and changed patterns of rainfalls (58% responses for increase) with summer rainfalls earlier (68%) and winter rainfalls later (35%), severe and destructive fluvial floods (75%), storms and strong winds (77%), hailstorms (67%) and higher insects/pests attack causing harm to crops (68%), livestock (64%) and humans. The changed scenario also posed difficulties to farmers in managing agricultural activities like an abundance of weed species (62% of farmers strongly agreed) especially the invasive ones e.g. Parthenium hysterophorus, Silybum marianum, and Rumex crispus etc. They noticed an increase in weed species (78%), frequency (69%), and interaction (78%) among native and invasive weeds. These weeds had aggressive (75%) and uncontrollable growth (68%), outcompete with crops (82%), and survived longer (55%). As per farmers' response, the Parthenium weed was the most (82%) responsive invasive weed to climate change. As a result, it is inferred that the temperature rise promotes the growth of parthenium weed. As its dominance grew, it was discovered that this plant was highly aggressive and competitive with the local flora in the study area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Predicting the germination behavior of parthenium weed against different conditions of temperature and osmotic stress is helpful for studying the growth and development history of parthenium in different ecological contexts. Sustainable weed control strategies based on population-based threshold (PBT) models are profitable tools for crop planting date, herbicide application, and tillage operation time. To predict the emergence of parthenium by using thermal time (TT), hydrotime (HT), and hydrothermal time (HTT) analyses, seeds were exposed to varying constant temperatures (5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, and 40°C) and water potentials (− 0.25, − 0.5, − 0.75, and − 1.0 MPa) under a controlled environment. Parthenium seeds showed better responses in terms of higher germination percentage and lower germination time at 20 and 25°C. The use of the germination modeling approach proposed the base temperature (7.2°C), optimum temperature (20°C), and ceiling temperature (42.8°C) for this weed. Moreover, germination behavior was also studied at different water potentials under different temperature regimes (10, 20, and 30°C). The HTT model predicted higher germination percentages (82.8 and 54.8%) of parthenium seeds at water potentials from 0 to −0.25 MPa, respectively, under a temperature of 20°C, and also identified a base water potential (Ψb(50) of − 0.54 MPa for germination. In conclusion, the use of the HTT modeling approach is helpful for predicting the emergence response of parthenium in a changing climate and ultimately supportive in time scheduling of parthenium weed management in cropping systems.

Background: The reliability of patch testing with expired Indian standard patch test kits has been not evaluated before. Methods: Thirty adults (men:women 25:5) with allergic contact dermatitis were divided into three groups of ten patients each for patch testing by Finn chamber® method using Indian standard patch test kits having expiry in 2016, 2015 and 2014. The results were compared with those from a new kit with 2018 expiry. Results: Ten patients in group-1, eight patients in group-2 and seven patients in group-3 developed positive reactions of identical intensities and mostly from identical allergens from all four kits. The major contact allergens eliciting positive reactions of identical intensities were parthenium in nine, five and three patients, colophony in four, one and zero patients, fragrance mix in three, three and one patients, thiuram mix in three, one and one patients, and paraphenylene diamine in two, one and three patients from group-1,-2, and -3, respectively. Limitations: Small number of patients in each group remains the major limitation of the study. Whether or not these results can be extrapolated with patch test results from other similar patch test kits available across countries also needs confirmation. Conclusion: The patch test allergens can be used beyond labeled expiry dates but needs confirmation by a few large studies and using other available patch test kits. This is important as the relevance of patch test results for individual allergen in this scenario may remain debatable requiring careful interpretation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zygogramma bicolorata Pallister is an effective biocontrol agent of Parthenium hysterophorus L. We evaluated the variability in reproductive attributes and diapause behaviour among populations of Z. bicolorata from six geographical locations of India, viz. Jammu, Poonch, Rajouri, Almora, Jabalpur and Coimbatore. This was done to optimize its augmentative rearing. We collected the adult insects from these locations and reared them in the laboratory. The eggs obtained from these adults were reared from egg-hatch to adult emergence to determine the development, reproduction, diapause and the influence of extremes of temperature on survival. The percentage of pupation (84.30 ± 1.41%), adult emergence (86.75 ± 1.11%), egg viability (77.30 ± 2.02%) fecundity (2159.5 ± 8.45 eggs), and longevities of males and females (86.5 ± 4.8 and 146.9 ± 6.1 days) were greater in the Coimbatore population of South India experiencing tropical climatic conditions than the other populations. In addition, this population had the lowest incidence of diapause in adult males (26.1 ± 1.0%) and females (26.1 ± 1.0%), and shortest mean diapause durations. The Coimbatore population had the highest survival when adult females were exposed to three suboptimal temperatures with the highest survival at 35 °C, followed by 45 °C and – 5 °C, while the Jabalpur and the Almora populations survival was the lowest. The adult survival percentage of this tropical population declined with an increase in the duration of exposure to the temperature extremes. We conclude that tropical climatic conditions favour development and reproduction, and minimize the prevalence of diapause in Z. bicolorata than the colder habitats of northern India. The findings may help mass rearing of parthenium beetle under controlled conditions and to manage parthenium across various geographical habitats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Application of biochar on acidic soils may improve soil fertility and crop productivity. This study aimed to explore the relevance of parthenium biochar-induced changes in the physicochemical properties and agronomic performance of the selected wheat varieties in acidic soils. A pot trial was used in determining the effect of slow pyrolysis parthenium biochar on acidic soils and the agronomic performance of wheat varieties. A general linear model (GLM) of multivariate analysis and principal component analysis (PCA) was used to compare functional variation among soil assayed parameters with biochar dosages and years. Biochar-treated acidic soils did not show significant differences in their physical properties. However, a significant incremental trend was observed in the soil moisture content. The biochar-amended acidic soils showed noticeable differences in the soil pH, available phosphorous, and exchangeable bases (Ca, K, and Na) compared to the control. In all soil samples, a decreasing trend in the soil micronutrients was observed with an increase in the biochar amounts. The analysis also unveiled significant changes in root length, root and shoot dry biomass, and plant height of wheat varieties in response to the biochar amendments. The application of 19.5 t/ha and 23 t/ha dosages of biochar gave the maximum changes in the agronomic performance of Kekeba and Ogolcha varieties, while the minimum was obtained in the 26.5 t/ha and the control. Furthermore, PCA axis 1 accounted for 74.34% of the total variance within a higher eigenvector value (10.4076), and most of the soil parameters were positively correlated with CEC (0.29), available phosphorous (0.29), and soil pH (0.28); however, the micronutrients were negatively correlated. In conclusion, Parthenium hysterophorus biochar has the potential to amend acidic soils, and thus, the application of 16.0, 19.5, and 23 t·ha-1 biochar dosages are considered suitable to reduce the soil acidity level and improve the agronomic performance of wheat varieties. However, extensive research will be needed to determine the effects of biochar on soil properties and crop production in field conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We tested the metabolites of fungal species Alternaria citri Ellis and Pierce for management of invasive weed parthenium (Parthenium hysterophorus L.). Fungal metabolites were prepared in two growth media viz., Malt extract broth (MEB) and Potato dextrose broth (PDB). In laboratory bioassays, metabolites from PDB proved more inhibitory to parthenium germination (92 %), shoot biomass (98 %) and root biomass (97 %) than the metabolites from MEB (43 %, 32 % and 78 % reduction, respectively). Therefore, the metabolites from PDB were selected for pot experiment. In pot culture, 2 concentrations of metabolites, original (X) and concentrated (2X) were sprayed thrice at 4 days intervals on 1-week, 2-week and 3-week old parthenium plants. One-week old plants were highly susceptible to metabolites spray and herbicidal activity of metabolites decreased with increase in age of parthenium plants. There was 66 %, 49 % and 31 % reduction in shoot dry biomass of parthenium due to concentrated metabolites spray on 1-week, 2-week and 3-week old plants, respectively. Fungal metabolites from PDB were fractionated using chloroform and analyzed by GC-MS and 13 compounds were identified. Predominant compounds were hexadecane (20.27 %), stearic acid hydrazine (12.9 %), phenol, 2,6-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl)- (11.98 %) and 10-methylnonadecane (11.05 %). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parthenium (Parthenium hysterophorus L.) has become an invasive woody plant in recent times in many parts of the world. It is rapidly spreading in Pakistan, causing severe damage to the agriculture productivity of the country. A laboratory scale study was conducted in order to evaluate the allelopathic effect of exotic herb Parthenium on chickpea (Cicer arietinum) by morphological approaches. Experiments were carried out in petri plates supplemented with aqueous extracts of root, stem, leaves and flowers of Parthenium. Pronounced variations were noticed for allelopathic activity of different plant parts at different concentrations. Parthenium extracts either inhibited or promoted the germination of seeds and seedling growth of chickpea. Results showed that aqueous extracts of root, leaves and flowers significantly reduced the germination and seedling growth. The maximum inhibition was observed with the extract of leaves and flowers as well as the highest inhibition was observed at higher concentrations i.e. 7.5 and 10%. It is concluded that aqueous root, stem, leaf and flower extracts of Parthenium contain allelopathic compounds inhibits seed germination and seedling growth of chickpea at higher concentrations.

Background: Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD), a T-cell mediated type 4 hypersensitivity reaction, occurs when skin get exposed to exogenous allergens. True incidence of ACD is difficult to estimate. Common sensitizers also vary with place, patient profile and time. With increasing complexity of human life, our skin gets exposed to a large spectrum of chemical and biological products, thereby increasing allergic sensitisation. Aim and objectives: To identify the common allergens causing allergic contact dermatitis in a tertiary health centre and to determine the clinical profile of patients presenting with the same. Settings and Design: A cross sectional study was conducted in a tertiary health centre in Tumkur. Materials and methods: Fifty patients with suspected allergic contact dermatitis were enrolled. Demographic data, clinical history, examination and patch testing with Indian standard series containing 19 allergens was done after subsidence of active eczema. Statistical analysis used: Descriptive statistics were reported using mean and standard deviation for continuous variables, number and percentage for categorical variables. The Chi-Square test was used and a 'p' value of 0.05 proportion or less was considered statistically significant. Results: Out of the 50, 35 were patch test positive. There was a slight male predominance(4:3) and majority belonged to the age group 31-50 years. The common allergens in decreasing frequency were parthenium, fragrance mix, PPD, potassium dichromate and chlorocresol. Conclusions: With changing lifestyle and urbanization, the allergens keep on varying. The clinical pattern also varies with the causative allergen/s. Such studies help to detect the common prevalent allergens in a locality and thereby avoid misdiagnosis and also in creating awareness.

Parthenium weed (Parthenium hysterophorus L.) is an invasive alien plant species that is spreading rapidly all over the world. With globalization and climate change, it will continue to spread, posing threats to agriculture, biodiversity and the environment. To determine its invasion and impacts in Bhutan, an investigation was undertaken in West-Central Bhutan using a questionnaire survey, complemented by MaxEnt modelling. Most farmers (19–30%) recall having seen parthenium for the last 11–15 years, or more. Infestations of parthenium differed significantly (P < 0.05) across three districts for dryland, orchards, fallow land and pastures, but not in rice fields and on roadsides. The most intensely invaded land types were fallow land, pastures, and roadsides, with farmers perceiving it as 'somewhat common'(score ~ 3) and 'common' (score ~ 4) weed. Farmers' perceptions of the invasiveness of parthenium weed were high at 77% (Wangdue), 80% (Punakha), and 88% (Tsirang), considering it as at least 'somewhat invasive', or higher. Only 13–25% of respondents scored the weed as 'highly invasive'. Parthenium invasion significantly (P < 0.01 to 0.001) escalated the cost of production, reduced fodder quality, supressed native species and caused allergies to the locals in the study districts. Further, MaxEnt modelling of parthenium distribution was undertaken, using the parthenium presence-only data and bioclimatic variables, under 2 CO2 emission scenarios of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), i.e. Representative Concentration Pathways (RCP2.6 and 8.5). The projections showed discernible spatial changes in climate suitability over 2070, mostly in the mid- and high-altitude zones, indicating aggressive incursion into Bhutan's important agro-ecological landscapes. The findings, highlight the urgent need to initiate parthenium management strategies for food production and natural resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parthenium hysterophorus L. is considered an obnoxious weed due to its rapid dispersal, fast multiplications, and agricultural and health hazards. In addition to its physio-molecular and phytotoxic allelochemical usage, this weed most probably uses endophytic flora as an additional line of defense to deal with stressful conditions and tolerate both biotic and abiotic stresses. The aim of this article is to report the diversity of endophytic flora (fungi and bacteria) in P. hysterophorus and their role in the stress mitigation (biotic and abiotic) of other important crops. Various endophytes were reported from P. hysterophorus and their roles in crops evaluated under biotic and abiotic stressed conditions. These endophytes have the potential to alleviate different stresses by improving crops/plants growth, development, biomass, and photosynthetic and other physiological traits. The beneficial role of the endophytes may be attributed to stress-modulating enzymes such as the antioxidants SOD, POD and APX and ACC deaminases. Additionally, the higher production of different classes of bioactive secondary metabolites, i.e., flavonoids, proline, and glutathione may also overcome tissue damage to plants under stressed conditions. Interestingly, a number of medicinally important phytochemicals such as anhydropseudo-phlegmcin-9, 10-quinone-3-amino-8-O methyl ether ‘anhydropseudophlegmacin-9, 10-quinone-3-amino-8-O methyl ether were reported from the endophytic flora of P. hysterophorus. Moreover, various reports revealed that fungal and bacterial endophytes of P. hysterophorus enhance plant growth-promoting attributes and could be added to the consortium of biofertilizers.

A recent report in this journal from these authors, which shows that vermicomposting transforms a toxic weed such as lantana into a benign organic fertilizer, can be of practical utility only if processes can be developed for rapid, inexpensive, and sustainable vermicomposting of these weeds. This paper describes attempts leading to such a process for the vermicomposting of toxic and allelopathic weeds lantana (Lantana camara), parthenium (Parthenium hysterophorus), and ipomoea (Ipomoea carnea). For it, the ‘high-rate vermicomposting’ concept was employed due to which the weeds could be used for vermicomposting directly in each case without the need for pre-composting or any other form of pretreatment. The manure worm Eisenia fetida, which had been cultured on cowdung as feed and habitat, was slow to adapt to the weed-feed but survived and then began to thrive, in all the three weeds, enabling the weeds’ sustained and efficient vermicomposting throughout the 16 month’s uninterrupted operation of the vermireactors. In all cases the extent of vermicast production per unit time showed a rising trend, indicating that the rate of vermicomposting was set to rise further with time. The vermicomposting was found to accompany a 50 ± 10% loss of organic carbon of each weed with a 50 ± 10% increase in the concentration of total nitrogen as also the weed’s additional mineralization. The combined effect was a significant lowering of the carbon-nitrogen ratio, and enrichment of all major, medium, and trace nutrients in the vermicomposts relative to their parent substrates. The findings establish that sustained, direct, and rapid transformation to organic fertilizers of even toxic and allelopathic weeds can be accomplished with the high-rate vermicomposting paradigm.

Objectives: To evaluate clinical and occupational profile and common allergens in patients with occupational contact dermatitis (OCD). Materials and Methods: The records of 455 (M:F 2:1) patients aged 18-85 years with allergic contact dermatitis were analyzed retrospectively. The diagnosis of OCD and patterns of dermatitis were defined by standard criteria. Indian standard series comprising 20 allergens and when suspected patient's own products were patch tested by Finn chamber method as per European Society of Contact Dermatitis guidelines and relevance of positive results was defined clinically. Results: Airborne contact dermatitis (27.7%), acral dermatitis (14.1%), hand dermatitis (12.9%), acrofacial dermatitis (12.7%), and facial dermatitis (10.5%) were the common patterns. Agriculturists (51.2%), homemakers (27.9%), office workers (24.6%), and construction workers (4.6%) comprised the majority. Positive patch test results in 58% cases were from parthenium (31.7%), p-paraphenylenediamine (PPD) (22.9%), nickel (16%), fragrance mix (11%), potassium dichromate (10.7%), cobalt (7.6%), and mercaptobenzothiazole (4.9%). Hair colorants, shoe chips, and shaving cream also produced relevant positive reactions. Parthenium, PPD, fragrance mix, and potassium dichromate in agriculturists; nickel, parthenium, PPD, fragrance mix, and potassium dichromate in women, and potassium dichromate and parthenium in construction workers elicited the most positive reactions. PPD and hair colorants elicited positive reaction mainly in office workers. Conclusions: The agriculturists, homemakers, and construction workers have OCD most frequently. Parthenium in farmers, potassium dichromate in construction workers, nickel in women, and PPD in office workers were the major contact allergens. The study is limited by its retrospective design, small number of patients, and limited number of patch test allergens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A field experiment was conducted to elucidate the effect of integrated management on parthenium and yield components and yield of maize. The experiment was laid in a randomized complete block design with 14 treatments with a factorial arrangement. The highest parthenium density (87.80 m−2) and dry biomass (764.61 g/m2) were recorded by weedy check while the lowest was in weed‐free check (0.00 m−2 and 0.00 g/m2), respectively. Late physiological maturity (140 days) was observed in 2,4‐D+Straw mulching and weed‐free check at Upper Bir and early maturity (133.00 days) were in weedy check at Lower Bir. 2,4‐D+Twice hand hoeing and Butrazine + Straw mulching with 308.23 cm showed higher plant height at Lower Bir and least was in weedy check (265.96 cm) at Upper Bir. The highest numbers of kernels per ear, 1,000 kernels weight and grain yield (714.75, 438.33 g, and 11.40 tha−1) were recorded on weed‐free check at Lower Bir and the lowest was on weedy control (418.00, 438.33 g, and 5.29 tha−1) at Upper Bir, respectively. The maximum dry biomass of maize was recorded for Butrazine + Straw mulching (13.51 tha−1) at Lower Bir and the minimum was recorded for weedy control (7.68 tha−1) at Upper Bir. Weed‐free control (93.42%) and weedy control (68.95%) had the highest and lowest harvest index at Upper Bir, respectively. Therefore, using 2,4‐D with straw mulching could provide good control of parthenium, economical, and ultimately better yielded. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parthenium hysterophorus L., is a noxious annual weed rapidly spreading across the cropped and non-cropped and has become a major threat to cropped and noncropped areas. Field experiments were conducted to evaluate the efficacy of different herbicides against parthenium weed at its mixed population of different growth stages in non-cropped area. The experiments were laid out in accordance with RCBD with three repeats of ten treatments. Herbicides used in the experiments were RoundUp 54SL (glyphosate) @ 2.5 l ha-1, Maxtrol 38SC (atrazine) @ 1200 ml ha-1, Sencor 70WP (metribuzin) @ 625 g ha-1, Gesapax combi 80WP (ametryne+atrazine) @ 2.5 kg ha-1, Clean Core 50EC (acetochlor) @ 250 ml ha-1, Gramaxone 20SL (paraquat) @ 1250 ml ha-1, Stomp 330 EC (pendimethalene) @ 2500 g ha-1, Premextra Gold 720 SC (atrazine+s-metolachlor) @ 2000 ml ha-1, and Sodium chloride (common salt) @ 5% solution and untreated control. Statistical analysis of the data showed that different herbicide treatments had significant effect on the mortality of parthenium weed. The post emergence herbicides, glyphosate and ametryne+atrazine at rossete stage provided 97% & 82% and at bolted stage 96% & 60% mortality of parthenium weed at 4 Weeks After Spray (WAS). Among the pre-emergence herbicides pendimathaline and atrazine proved best with 10 & 16 plants m-2 respectively and inhibited the regeneration of weeds for a longer period of time. It is recommended that a mixture of glyphosate (nonselective herbicide) in pendimethalne or atrazine at their recommended doses can be used on noncropped areas for effective control of Parthenium weed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biomass resources are gaining increasing importance world over due to their ease of conversion to various energy product in the face of depleting fossil fuel store and increasing environmental concerns over their use. The present work elucidates different physico-chemical properties of three biomasses, paddy straw (PS)- an agricultural residue, spent paddy straw obtained after mushroom cultivation (SS), and a noxious weed (Parthenium hysterophorus; PR) to understand their properties and to explore the feasibility of using them as feedstocks in different biomass to bioenergy conversion routes. In addition to physico-chemical analysis, biochemical analysis of these biomasses along with XRD, thermogravimetric analysis, FTIR and SEM analysis have been carried out. Present study suggests that PS is a better choice as feedstock compared to both PR and SS. The calorific value to ash content ratio is more in PS (1.13) as compared to PR (1.06) and SS (0.84). Thus, it may be inferred that the biomasses in question are at par with commonly used bio-energy feedstocks like sugarcane bagasse and corn cob. ©2019. CBIORE-IJRED. All rights reserved

Parthenium (Parthenium hysterophorus) weed is a noxious plant which inhabits many parts of the world. It is responsible for rapid environmental pollution causing a reduction in crop productivity by infesting farm lands and grazing lands. It also causes severe human and animal health problems. The aim of this study was assessing the potential of parthenium weed ash as a substitute for commercial alkali for the preparation of soap. Alkali solution was prepared from partheniun weed ash. Tests on its alkalinity properties revealed that the lye can be used for soap making. Similarly, the tests on physicochemical properties of the collected used cooking oil samples were found to be 141.0 ± 0.4–153.8 ± 0.33 mg KOH/g, 11.28 ± 0.5–14.1 ± 0.5 mg KOH/g, and 0.16 ± 0.2–0.19 ± 0.25 milieq/g for saponification value, acid value, and peroxide value, respectively. The data indicated that both the prepared lye solution and the collected used cooking oils would be suitable for soap preparation. Moreover, analyses of the moisture content, total alkali content, total fatty matter, the pH value, and chloride content of the prepared soap materials were found to be in the ranges of 10.5 ± 0.01–13 ± 0.01, 0.39 ± 0.01–1.63 ± 0.05%, 64.5 ± 0.16–76.4 ± 0.15%, 10.5 ± 0.03–10.63 ± 0.04, and 0.39 ± 0.2–0.45 ± 0.39%, respectively. The finding of the present study, is that it is possible to conclude that the Parthenium weed ash (or lye solution from this ash) and leftovers of used cooking oils can be used as cost-effective substitutes for commercial alkali solution and palm oil, respectively, for laundry soap preparation of acceptable grades. The finding also suggests that preparation of lye solution from parthenium weed ash can be used as an option for controlling the pollution of this invasive weed.

Abstract Background: Parthenium hysterophorus L., commonly known as parthenium weed, poses severe economic and environmental hazards to the agro-ecosystems of Pakistan. Objective: To estimate the yield loss and critical competition period of this weed in the spring sown maize crop. Method: Field studies were conducted at an agronomic research area in the College of Agriculture at the University of Sargodha in Punjab-Pakistan during two consecutive year spring seasons (2014 and 2015). Treatments were comprised of viz., control plots (weed free), and parthenium competition durations of 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 weeks after crop emergence (WAE), as well as weedy check for the full growing season of the crop. Results: Study results showed that the prolongation in parthenium competition duration from 2 WAE to the full crop season resulted in an increase in dry weight up to 541% and 450% in the years 2014 and 2015, respectively. Plant height, stem diameter, biological yield, 1000 grain weight and grain yield decreased significantly at 2 or more WAE parthenium competition periods. The maximum reduction in plant height (8.8 and 11.3%), stem diameter (30.6 and 12.7%), cob number m-2 (35.8 and 33.9%), grain rows cob-1 (26.6 and 29.4%), 1000 grain weight (15 and 9.8%), grain (34.1 and 39.1%) and biological yield (31.4 and 27.9%) were recorded with the longest parthenium competition duration (6 WAE) during the years 2014 and 2015, respectively. Conclusion: Based upon the results above, it is concluded that the critical competition period of parthenium in spring maize, as determined by a three-parameter logistic model, is 17 to 28 and 16 to 26 days after crop emergence during the years 2014 and 2015, respectively. Therefore, this weed must be controlled during these periods in order to avoid significant grain yield loss.

Mexican beetle, Zygogramma bicolorata Pallister (Coleptera: Chrysomelidae) is a potential weed control biocontrol agent in Australia, India and other countries. Its grubs and adults feed on the leaves of parthenium weed, Parthenium hysterophorus and check the further growth of the plant. Experiments were conducted to understand host plant-mediated effects of elevated temperature and elevated CO2 on biocontrol agent Z. bicolorata. Food consumption, utilization, ecological efficiency and life-table parameters of Z. bicolorata were studied in grubs and adults stage up to diapause. Reduction of leaf nitrogen in parthenium weed foliage with a significant increase in carbon and C:N ratio was recorded at elevated CO2. Elevated CO2 and temperature had no effect on adult longevity before diapausing. Duration of egg's hatching, specific stages of grub and pupa of Z. bicolorata were significantly longer when beetles fed on leaves grown under elevated CO2 but these parameters decreased significantly on leaves grown under elevated temperature. Significantly high consumption rates with low growth and digestion conversions were observed under elevated CO2 and/or in coupled with elevated temperature. Elevated CO2 and temperature-grown parthenium weed foliage also had a significant effect on Z. bicolorata intrinsic rate of increase (R), finite rate of increase (λ), mean generation time (T), and gross reproductive rate. Changed quality of parthenium weed leaves in elevated CO2 and temperature levels resulted in the increase of consumption, slower food conversion rates, increase in developmental period with reduced reproduction efficiency of Z. bicolorata. Our results indicate that the reproduction efficiency of Z. bicolorata is likely to be reduced as the climate changes, despite increased feeding rates exhibited by grubs and adult beetles on parthenium weed foliage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Globally, infestations of invasive plant species impact negatively on the environment, livelihoods and local and national economies. Therefore, understanding their potential distribution is paramount. In this study, we sought to model habitats susceptible to Parthenium (Parthenium hysterophorus) invasion using environmental and Sentinel 2 multi-spectral imagery variables in a Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt) environment. Using occurrence points we tested the utility of (i) spectral bands (ii) derived vegetation indices and (iii) the combination of spectral bands and vegetation indices. Area under curve (AUC) values in MaxEnt were used to evaluate the performance of the models. Results show that the combination of environmental variables and spectral bands yielded superior AUC value of 0.976. Sentinel 2 red-edge band (705 nm) and the normalized red edge vegetation indices were the most influential variables in predicting habitat susceptible to Parthenium invasion. These results illustrate the potential of Sentinel 2 MSI and environmental variables in predicting Parthenium invasion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Allergic contact dermatitis following exposure to Parthenium is a chronic disease associated with frequent relapses and significant disturbance in the quality of life. The affected patients have lower circulating levels and decreased expression of IL-10. Hence, measures to increase its level may enhance the therapeutic outcome. The clinical trial was undertaken to evaluate the effect of cholecalciferol supplementation on treatment response and IL-10 level in Parthenium dermatitis patients with vitamin D deficiency. A total of 72 patients were recruited and randomized to receive either cholecalciferol tablet 60,000 IU per week or matching placebo for 8 weeks with standard background treatment. Eczema Area Severity Index (EASI) and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) were assessed at baseline, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks while IL-10 and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels were measured at baseline and 8 weeks. Levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D and IL-10 showed a significant rise in both placebo and vitamin D groups following the intervention. The relatively higher increase in IL-10 level observed in the vitamin D group was statistically insignificant compared to placebo group. Significant reduction in EASI, as well as DLQI scores, was noted after 1 and 2 months, but the reduction in these scales was not significantly different between the groups. Cholecalciferol supplementation for 2 months did not reduce the disease severity in clinically diagnosed Parthenium dermatitis patients. However, treatment initiation significantly improved plasma IL-10 levels after 2 months in both placebo and cholecalciferol groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parthenium hysterophorus is an annual ephemeral weed belonging to the Asteraceae family. It is highly pernicious to humans, animals, plants and the environment. It has the potential to invade and take over a large area over a very short time through allelopathy. Presently, parthenium weed is among the ten worst most hazardous and devastating weeds of the world. In Malaysia, the weed is gradually becoming a serious threat to humans, domestic animals and the ecosystem. However, research findings over the years have proven that apart from the deleterious effects, it has some potential that can be utilized for medical, agricultural and industrial uses. To fully evaluate the potential of this weed for human use, a complete knowledge on its beneficial and harmful effects most be known. This review is an effort to update the current knowledge on the harmful and beneficial effects of the weed on humans, animals, plants and the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parthenium hysterophorus is a prolific invasive weed species, which infests many crops in over 40 countries around the world. A 2-year field study was carried out to quantify the potential impacts of this weed on direct-seeded rice. Parthenium weed was allowed to compete for 2, 4, 6 or 8 weeks after crop emergence, while full season weedy and weed-free plots were maintained as controls. Parthenium weed plants grew taller and attained more biomass as the competition duration prolonged. The yield and yield-related attributes of rice were negatively affected with increasing competition duration. The season-long competition caused the highest reductions in panicle number (28–34%), panicle length (26–27%), grains per panicle (22–23%) and grain yield (33 and 38%) of rice in both years. Weed competition for 2–8 weeks caused 5–34% and 6–33% losses in rice grain yield during both years, respectively. Importantly, Parthenium weed control after 8 weeks of competition did not improve rice yield significantly. The results suggested that Parthenium weed should be controlled in rice fields between 4 and 8 weeks after crop emergence under direct-seeded conditions to avoid over 10% yield losses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Danger to rubber trees (Hevea brasiliensis) from South American leaf blight fungus imperils the world’s source of natural latex for essential rubber products. Avoiding latex allergies also requires a non-Hevea latex source. The present methods for removing latex entrapped in the individual cells of guayule plants require environmentally hazardous chemicals. This study proposes a new method for latex extraction from guayule using various ionic liquids (ILs) to dissolve cell walls and release latex, as substantiated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) data.

Parthenium hysterophorus is an invasive weed species that competes aggressively with other plants and is also allelopathic. It poses a significant risk to human health, livestock, the environment, soil, and agriculture. However, given some clinical studies, its potential for antidiabetic, antioxidant, antitumor, herbicidal, pesticidal, and antimalarial therapies should be researched further in attempts to discover more relevant applications. It can be used as a nutrient-dense, readily available, and cheap fertilizer. Parthenium can also be used as an herbicide, an insecticide, and a phyto-remedial mediator to extract metals and dyes from agricultural waste. Here we provide basic information on the morphology, reproduction, environmental impacts, and management of this species. Effects of methanol, ethanol, hexane, acetone, and aqueous (water) Parthenium extracts are described. Because P. hysterophorus is said to be one of the world’s seven worst weeds, some control measures, including mechanical, chemical, cultural, and biological control, are discussed. The allelopathy of this weed is difficult to regulate, and there are both positive and negative interactions between Parthenium and other species due to allelochemical action. Several toxic phenolic compounds produced by P. hysterophorus are responsible for weed suppression, and we discuss details of their mode of action and potential applications.