Parthenium weed: uses and abuses.

Abstract There has been a debate about the potential role of utilization in management of parthenium weed (Parthenium hysterophorus). A large volume of published material is available on potential uses of this weed and opportunities for further exploitation. This chapter critically reviews this published information on the actual uses of the plant in different countries. It also weighs the benefits and potential problems associated with utilization of this weed in countries where existing infestations are large and threaten to spread further. It also explores the question: should utilization be considered an effective management tool in countries such as India, to manage existing infestations and prevent its further spread? It is concluded that the risks of spread and the overall negative economic, social and environmental impacts of parthenium weed may far outweigh its potential benefits, particularly in regions susceptible to new invasions. Therefore, a precautionary approach is suggested in promoting utilization of parthenium weed, not least because failure to do so would undermine the current efforts to contain its spread across many countries in Asia, South-east Asia, Africa and Australia.