Impacts on the environment.

Abstract

Abstract This chapter deals with the impact of parthenium weed (Parthenium hysterophorus) on the environment, more specifically, the negative impact of the weed on soil properties, and the above- and below-ground community biodiversity, including fauna, flora and microorganisms. Also, the chapter comprehensively examines the negative impact of parthenium weed on insect pollinators and shows how the weed can: (i) alter nutrient cycling; (ii) reduce plant species diversity and abundance; (iii) change vegetation structure; and (iv) alter the assemblage of other organisms such as invertebrates, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals. Although some key gaps with regard to determining the impacts of parthenium weed on biodiversity have been detected, there is sufficient evidence to conclude that parthenium weed is having a dramatic impact on biodiversity and ecosystem function throughout its introduced range in Africa, Asia and Australia.