TITLE:
Carrot-Weed: A Noxious Plant That Threatens Biodiversity in Africa
AUTHORS:
Neema C. Mtenga, Thadeo Mokiti Tarimo, Patrick A. Ndakidemi, Ernest R. Mbega
KEYWORDS:
Invasive Species, Biodiversity, Parthenium hysterophorous, Carrot-Weed, Allelopathy
JOURNAL NAME:
American Journal of Plant Sciences,
Vol.10 No.3,
March
20,
2019
ABSTRACT: Carrot-weed (Parthenium hysterophorous L.) is a
flowering plant of the Asteraceae family (tribe: Heliantheae). The weed became
famous due to its notorious invasive role in the environment and agricultural
fields. The plant has arisen as the seventh most disturbing weed globally. In
Africa, the weed is spreading very fast and information on its biology, impact,
and management is scarce. Therefore, this review provides general information
about the carrot weed’s current distribution status and its impact on
agricultural crops, animals and human health in Africa. The review also highlights areas for research in managing this
noxious weed in the African habitats.