<i>Harmful 'Parthenium' plants grow in Rajshahi</i>
Australian weed specialist suggests wiping out as it is threat to human health, environment
Parthenium, a harmful plant for human beings, livestock and cash crop fields, has appeared in the district creating massive apprehension among the agriculture researchers and others concerned.
Besides the roadsides the plant is spreading rapidly in the crop fields as weed which is still beyond knowledge of the public in general.
Dr Israil Hossain, Principal Scientific Officer of Regional Wheat Research Station, apprehended that the plant has apparently appeared in the country from India with wheels of the goods-laden trucks running from the Sonamasjid and Benapole Land Ports.
Referring various research findings, he said the plant causes allergy, asthma and skin diseases in human body even from 10km far away which is a matter of grave concern relating to the overall public health.
He underscored the need for awareness on ill effects of parthenium as it's destructive leading to disappearance of many shrubs and herbs in the roadside area and posed threat to survival of chlorophyll tuberosum used in health tonics.
Weed Specialist Prof Dr Steve Adkinov of Queensland University of Australia had witnessed the plant along the roadside and crop fields on his three-day research tour in the area.
He also addressed a seminar organised by Shah Agriculture Information Library at Manda in Naogaon on Wednesday.
He deliberated on various issues of biodiversity and environment and felt that there is a need for committed social movements to create public awareness on the ill effects of parthenium on human health and environment.
Revealing various bad impacts, he said adverse effects of Parthenium not only on human beings but also on animal health have been well documented.
It is known to cause asthma, bronchitis, dermatitis and hay fever in human beings and livestock. The chemical analysis has indicated that all the plant parts, including trichomes and pollen contain toxins called sesquiterpene lactones.
Dr Steve said the major components of toxic being 'parthenin' and other phenolic acids such as caffeic acid, vanillic acid, anisic acid, p- anisic acid, chlorogenic acid and parahydroxy benzoic acid are lethal to human beings and animals.
He, however, said the problem can be solved by educating the common people about the harms of this weed immediately.
Taking part in the discussion other researchers underscored the need for combating the menace through collaborative efforts involving government agencies, NGOs and others stakeholders.
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