TODAY -

Congress grass menace in North-East India

Dr N Irabanta Singh *

Parthenium hysterophorus
Parthenium hysterophorus at Salem, Tamil Nadu :: Pix - Wikipedia/Thamizhpparithi Maari



Introduction

Congress grass (Parthenium hysterophorus L.) has been rapidly spreading globally and continually affecting our health, livestock, flora and environment. The fast invasion of this weed is attributed to its wide adaptability to extreme soil and climatic conditions, ability to grow throughout the year, shorter life cycle, and easy disposal by wind, water and movement of vehicle and animals coupled with the absence of neutral enemies like insects and diseases.

In this article, the writer will focus on
(i) Parthenium and its spread in NE India,
(ii) Aerobiology and Parthenium menance,
(iii) Effect on the human and animal health,
(iv) Effect on biodiversity,
(v) How to kill Congress grass,
(vi) Recommendation and future strategies

Parthenium and its spread in NE India

Systematic field surveys were made on National Highways, State Highways and along the railway tracts of the North Eastern States during July to September, 2015; August to September 2016; April to August, 2017. The longitude and latitude of each Parthenium spotted place was recorded with the help of GPS.

Manipur – Parthenium was spotted highest in the State highways (Mayai Lambi) followed by NH-39, NH-150 andNH-53. In all the selected National Highways and State Highways of Manipur, heavy infestation ofParthenium weed was recorded except in NH-53. In the roadsides, one can easily observed dominance ofParthenium over other weeds.

Nagaland – Dimapur district is one of the thickly populated districts of Nagaland. Field survey conducted in Dimapur to Imphal National Highway and Dimapur to Patkai Autonomous College crossing and its adjacent areas revealed heavy infestation of Parthenium in front of Nagaland bamboo resorts centre and in front of Parth fuel service (5miles) along NH-29.

It was also detected at Podum-pukhuri Block –I (Lane no 1) in front of Hollatoli School, Podum-pukhuri Block-II (Lane no 2) vear sand and bricks querries (NH-29), on the bank of Podum pukhuri, Podum pukhuri village road near Florida nursery, Duroga Pather areas, Hill nursery, Ford City Service Centre, in front of Assam Rifles Trainning Centre School (NH-29), infront of Sandal wood nursery, in pring Valley School.

Road leading to Dimapur airport. Surprisingly, the roads leading to villages in the district were also found to be infested with Parthenium. The campus of The Global Open University, Nagaland, Sodzouhou village was also found infested with Parthenium.

Assam – Heavy infestation withParthenium was noticed in NH-31 (Gate of Narayanana Specialty Hospital Gauhati Gate; Barpeta road near Manikpur and Howly, NH- 31c (Bodoland), NH-37 (Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Hospital Campus).

Convent School Gate, Berama area, Nagaon Paper Mill Gate, Amlighat, Bogaonguri Loha, Jugulgaon, Kohargaon L.P. School, Homara, Bhomorachuri Kuch, Batamori, Timnel Village – all in NH-37. Heavy infestation withParthenium weed was found in these places. The weed was also spotted at one place in Silchar (South Assam) – Agartala (Tripura) road.

Arunachal Pradesh – Mild infestation with Parthenium was observed along the NH-52. It was spotted at Government middle Primary School compound, Naharlagun, Piwan opposite Forest office and Tourist Information Centre near Banderdewa. Heavy infestation with Parthenium was detected on either side of NH-52 at Banderdewa (Assam-Arunachal Pradesh Border) which might be one of the sources of spreadingParthenium in Arunachal Pradesh.

Sikkim – Parthenium infestation was noticed near Rangpur Government School campus, Mazhitar, Border Road Organization Office campus, Mazhitar and Rangpo Bazar. In Gangtok city, the presence of Parthenium was not noticed.

Tripura – Parthenium infestation was noticed in the International Fair ground, Hapania, in and around Tripura Medical College campus, Hapania; near GB Hospital (Tila), Akhuopura Road, Airport road, Radhanagar Bus stand (North), Jogendranagar (Bon Kumari Bazar) and Agartala – Assam Road (NH-44) near Badarghat Bund. Mizoram – Survey work not yet started.

Aerobiology and Parthenium menance

Earlier the presence of Parthenium pollen in the air having potential for allergies was reported from Central and Southern India (Singh, 2008). Subsequently, it was reported in Eastern India (Gupta and Chandra, 1991) as well as N.E. India (Irabanta Singh, 2012). By now, it may be presumed that the air quality is likely to deteriorate throughout the N.E. India due to proliferation of Congress grass (Parthenium hysterophorus) that warrants more scientific studies.

Effect of Congress grass on human and animal health

Exposure to P. hysterophorus pollen extract leads to bronchospasm in some patients of bronchial asthma.Parthenium weed is also known to cause many human health problems (Anonymous, 1976; Kologi et al, 1997). In the beginning, dermatitis was found in agricultural labourers but now increasing number of city dwellers are being affected as the weed spreads into urban areas (Tower and Subba Rao, 1992; Gautam and Gautam, 2011).

In animals, Parthenium may cause clinical signs such as salivation, diarrhea, anorexia, pruritus, alopecia and dermatitis, loss of hair and marked depigmentation of skin. A study on toxicity of the weed to cattle and buffalo has shown that 10 – 50% Parthenium in diet can kill animals within 30 days (Narasinha et al, 1977).

Tainting of milk in cows was reported (Tudor et al, 1982). Parthenoium affects the animal health, milk, meat quality (Evan, 1997). Besides, it is likely to cause health hazards to wild animals too due to regular exposure even in the National Park such as Kaziranga National Park (Assam).

There have been efforts to monitor the pollen concentration in different regions of India so as to tackleParthenium linked health problems. These are to be addressed by the
(a) Parthenium Aerobiologists
(b) weed specialists
(c) Patients/NGOs/and
(d) Dermatologists in an integrated manner.

Effect on biodiversity

Congress grass (P. hysterophorus L.) is also a major threat to biodiversity as this weed quickly colonizes land leaving very little space for other herbs and plants to grow due to allelopathic effects on certain plants.

Such situation was noticed by the writer while surveying NH-29 in Dimapur (Nagaland) where the weed completely changed the biodiversity of the area. Such situation was also noticed in the National Highways of Guwahati-Dimapur. Effect on biodiversity is observed in some areas of Imphal city where the weed completely replaced other flora.

How to kill Congress grass?

(i) By uprooting completely and destroying as and when noticed.
(ii) By spraying Glyphosate (1.0 – 1.5%) for total vegetation control or metribuzing (0.3 – 0.5%) if grasses are to be saved.
(iii) By releasing Mexican beetle (Zygogramma bicolorata) for sustainable control.
(iv) By broadcasting seeds of Cassia tora (Sickle pod) at the places where Parthenium seedlings are coming up and
(v) By utilizing Congress grass biomass for making compost and vermicompost.

Recommendation and future strategies

(i) Large scale demonstration with people's participation in different districts of NE India states.
(ii) Publication and distribution of leaflets in vernacular languages.
(iii) Involvement of media for regular broadcasting/publications of information on Partheniummanagement and their spread.
(iv) Regular monitoring and eradication of Parthenium in newly infested areas.
(v) Proper quarantine measures are to be taken to prevent the infestation of weed in new area.
(vi) Lectures/demonstration programme on Parthenium control are to be organized among school/college students.
(vii) Control of Parthenium is to be ensured through municipal corporation, Gram Panchayat development authority and railway/other transport organization.


* Dr N Irabanta Singh wrote this article for The Sangai Express
The writer is Principal Investigator, DBT's Twinning Programme on Parthenium management in NE India, CAS/Life Sciences, Manipur University and can be reached at irabanta(DOT)singh(AT)gmail(DOT)com
This article was posted on 07 July , 2018 .


* Comments posted by users in this discussion thread and other parts of this site are opinions of the individuals posting them (whose user ID is displayed alongside) and not the views of e-pao.net. We strongly recommend that users exercise responsibility, sensitivity and caution over language while writing your opinions which will be seen and read by other users. Please read a complete Guideline on using comments on this website.




LATEST IN E-PAO.NET
  • Manipur Statehood Day @ 1st MR : Gallery
  • Violence in Manipur 2023-2025 : Timeline
  • Mahakumbh : Not just a religious gathering
  • Nepal with largest pictorial health warnings
  • Is war profitable market for arms manufacturer
  • Our CM & party resurrected BJP in Delhi
  • Assamese Play 'Comfort Women'
  • Reading into the resignation reality
  • No stormy session for now
  • Tarao Harvesting Fest @Chandel #6 : Gallery
  • Talheibi, Ningchui, Loyalakpa : eMing
  • 'Vande Bharat' Dream
  • NSS Orientation Programme at MU
  • The influence of the Golden Triangle
  • The Power of Poppy - 68 :: Poem
  • Prasanna Vithanage at Guwahati Film Fest
  • Md Alimuddin, celebrated Sagol Kangjei player
  • Condemnation of Armed Football Match
  • Webinar: KM3NeT Mediterranean experiment
  • Redefining Cancer care: People-centered
  • How thought leadership can propel your career
  • The Science of Success : Attitude #3
  • Guwahati Asian Film Fest : Day 1
  • Of guns and football
  • Armed men playing football, taunting Govt
  • 76th Republic Day @ Kangla #3 : Gallery
  • Epom Amadei Ithak - A theatrical revisit
  • Economy of the dynamic global landscape
  • Is the Bhagavad Gita relevant today ?
  • Healthy hair in Winter
  • Guwahati Asian Film Festival (GAFF) 2025
  • From the battlefields to Delhi
  • Speculations on replacement of Chief Minister
  • 12th Legislative Assembly #2 : Gallery
  • Education & its disjuncture in Manipur
  • HUN-Thadou Cultural Fest 2025 : Theme
  • Coo :: Poem
  • Agartala Coach : India U-19 Women Cricket
  • The story of the village of hope
  • Career choice in wetlands
  • CM in Delhi to meet Shah
  • After failed plastic ban bid, on brickfields
  • New catfish species discovered in Chakpi
  • Love, Unsure :: Poem
  • Manipur's border battles: Deeper conflict
  • A world without leprosy
  • Origin of corruption & possible remedies
  • The question of life
  • 'Sereki' unveils Majuli-themed campaign
  • Posers over summons to Delhi
  • Addiction-free campaign
  • Mera Chaorel Houba @Kangla #5 : Gallery
  • Manipur : Champions Jr Natl Sepaktakraw
  • Effective Unified Command approach
  • Saurashtrian Tamils
  • Accepting the change :: Poem
  • From Kumbh to heaven direct
  • Edge of the seat suspense
  • Wetlands revival efforts reaping fruit
  • Natambakta : Play by JNMDA #4 : Gallery
  • EIIFF 2025 unveils Festival Memento
  • Climate change & plant diseases
  • Shija Hospital- AHPI Healthcare Award
  • Budget 2025: A big gift for middle-class
  • The Science of Success : Attitude #2
  • Cakeology 2025: India's largest cake expo
  • Need to stick to a consistent narrative
  • Leniency on tobacco ban aiding demographic
  • 76th Republic Day @ Kangla #2 : Gallery
  • Pheiroijam Christina - 21st Miss North East
  • Manipur: Gold at 28th Jr National Sepaktakraw
  • Clarion call for redeeming our rightful future
  • The Power of Poppy - 67 :: Poem
  • Clean energy for sustainability
  • Union Budget: Industrialists from NE speaks
  • Balaram Sougaijamba: General of Manipur
  • Nikhil Okram crowned 14th Mister North East
  • Chadong village: Rising from waters with hope
  • Financial literacy for common man
  • Obituary: (L) Pu Thangkholen Sitlhou
  • Nail care in Winters
  • State of war since 2023: No winner, only losers
  • Talks on new district row
  • Radio E-pao: 1000+ songs from Manipur
  • Maibi Jagoi @ Kwak Tanba : Gallery
  • February Calendar for Year 2025 : Tools
  • Ballad of Letting Go :: Poem
  • 2nd Eikhoigi Imphal International Film Fest
  • Deeper exploration of term 'Hill-Valley Divide'
  • Children's Book to adopt 'Look East Policy'
  • Pony registration & conservation
  • Endless suffering of internally displaced child
  • 21st Ningtham Kumhei Fest #2 : Gallery
  • Thiyam Suryamukhi conferred Padma Shri
  • Isolate Kuki Militants by facilitating safe return
  • Sports Meet held at Rongdai Village
  • Eco-Apocalypse: Prevent collapse with Green
  • Grand Finale : 21st Mega Miss North East
  • Time to give more teeth to ST demand
  • 5 years of ILP; what about NRC demand ?
  • Remembering Md Ladu, celebrated polo player
  • The Lament of Love's Deceit :: Poem
  • Need for inculcating value based education
  • Royte - Times Young Entrepreneur Award
  • Glass Child Syndrome ! 'Sibling rivalry'
  • 6 Films for NE Section at GAFF 2025
  • Pony registration & conservation
  • Impartial anti-extortion cell need of the hour
  • 76th Republic Day @ Kangla #1 : Gallery
  • Conservation Strategies of Pethia manipurensis
  • Remembers 13 Brave Indian Soldiers
  • Workshop: Intl Year of Quantum Science
  • Governor's role and discretionary powers
  • Physics workshop for educators at Agartala
  • Who wins Delhi - Daru or Dharma
  • War on Drugs: A war Manipur cannot loses
  • NE turning into transnational drug hub
  • Essence of Gaan-Ngai #2
  • Manipur's dystopian reality
  • The day Light reached the hills
  • 2nd Eikhoigi Imphal Intl Film Fest 2025
  • Why is depreciation of rupee not stopping ?
  • An introduction to Rabies (Hydrophobia) #5
  • Thoithoiba Yelhou Yangkok Artist #2 : Gallery
  • Republic Day Titbits
  • NIT Manipur: Best Design Award @VLSI Design
  • The Power of Poppy - 66 :: Poem
  • Grand Finale: 14th Mega Mister North East
  • Application : FILMART, Hong Kong
  • The Science of Success : Attitude #1
  • 21st Ningtham Kumhei Fest #1 : Gallery
  • Demographic for balkanisation of Manipur
  • Training on Mushroom Cultivation at Nambol
  • Jugeshwor Kshetrimayum receives GELA 2025
  • Construction Committee of Meetei Yumpham
  • Call against misuse of social media
  • Positive & negative aspects of social media
  • In Search of Peace in Manipur
  • Embracing the Shadows :: Poem
  • Dr Manmohan Singh will live on
  • Rise in the price of medicines
  • Respecting the dead- Denying is a disgrace
  • Winter skin care tips for oily skin
  • Illegal immigrants :: Of FMR & border fencing
  • JD-U row exposes national parties' apathy
  • State Gaan-Ngai @Sagolband #2 : Gallery
  • On 'Only BJP can save Manipur'
  • Frontline health workers dispelling darkness
  • 14th East Himalayan Trade Fair
  • Life is plastic
  • Killers on the road : 834 lives lost
  • Call to action to save State's wetlands
  • Essence of Gaan-Ngai #1
  • The Taste of Dreams wins @Red Intl Film Fest
  • Science: 3rd eye for Meitei-Kuki reconciliation
  • Northeast flies high in direct selling
  • Mastering focus amidst distractions
  • An introduction to Rabies (Hydrophobia) #4
  • Indo-Naga Talks (From 2012) :: Timeline
  • BJP : Tepid response from the hills
  • BABINA Hospital sets example in healthcare
  • Nitya Ras @Nongmeibung #1 : Gallery
  • Agonizing reality of our country's veteran elites
  • Historicising the colonial narratives
  • NSS Team Departs for National Integration
  • HUN-Thadou Cultural Festival 2025
  • Time to recreate Naga Peoples Convention 2.0
  • Career in nutrition
  • Need to give more meaning to War on Drugs
  • Time for real action not empty rhetoric
  • Foundation: Manipur Press Club #2 : Gallery
  • "Aronba Wari" :: Shumang Leela Synopsis
  • Tripura's livelihoods challenges
  • Archaeological Exhibition @ Kangla : Gallery
  • Gaan-Ngai @Chaopok village #1 : Gallery
  • Manipur needs to affirm her tribal roots
  • Madras/Chennai- 1989 till 2024 : Gallery
  • Investigate "arms recoveries" in Mizoram
  • Training on Mushroom Cultivation
  • NE Direct Selling Conference & Expo
  • Response of Delhi in last 20 months
  • Regulated entry after FMR scrap, border
  • Mutua Bahadur : Preserving Manipuri culture
  • Competitive Altruism: Resolving ethnic conflict
  • Pithe Puli Utsav at Agartala
  • Building the best version of yourself
  • Guwahati Asian Film Festival 2025
  • Tips to keep your lips soft & smooth in winter
  • Subsidised flight tickets for all
  • MCPCR alert on child trafficking fear
  • Imoinu Erat Thouni @ Wangkhei : Gallery
  • Gaan-Ngai celebrating Culture in Delhi NCR
  • The Weeping Gods of Manipur :: Poem
  • Disarming Kuki-Zo armed groups under SoO
  • Why nurses deserve more recognition, pay
  • The hidden truths of our social media lives
  • MMTU stand bang on target: Recapping May 3
  • Enhancing aerial options to ease travel woes
  • 2nd Emoinu Fish Festival #1 : Gallery
  • Sustainable development - climate action #1
  • RIST Talk- 62 : Artificial Intelligence (AI)
  • "Technically a BJP MLA will rule Nagaland"
  • Makar Sankranti : vibrant customs & traditions
  • Why gold is a strong hedge but ...
  • Delhi date on January 17
  • Onus of addressing tribal issues on new Guv?
  • Nupilal Ningshing Lamjel #2 : Gallery
  • Licypriya Kangujam: Nat'l Youth Day Award
  • Barak Festival advocates Peace, Progress
  • 'Yu', not fully liberalised
  • Article 355 equals Governor's Rule ?
  • Calls to vote with conscience
  • Zingtun academy leading by example
  • State Gaan-Ngai @Sagolband #1 : Gallery
  • Is Kuki-Zo community pushing Nagas to edge?
  • Will drive to find-treat-prevent TB continue ?
  • Smart Cities, dustier roads ?
  • ST of NE & Dalits of mainland India
  • That May :: Poem
  • Understanding Red, Yellow, Green
  • Cong posers on Govt aid to SoO group
  • Culturals @Tri-Nation Football #1 : Gallery
  • Gaan-Ngai festival of Kabui/Rongmei
  • Hingminashi Eikhoi : Call for unity in diversity
  • Gangtok, Sikkim (1983 till 1988) : Gallery
  • Misna Chanu aids to Jiribam IDPs : Gallery
  • Mega Protest Rally, end AFSPA #2: Gallery
  • Ningol Chakkouba @ Delhi #3 : Gallery
  • AIR Radio Imphal Station - Live streaming
  • Nupi Lal Memorial @Pune #2 : Gallery
  • The historical account of Kabaw Valley #3
  • Featured Front Page Photo 2024 #6: Gallery
  • E-Pao.net : 25th Anniv & 2025 Wishes
  • Protest @Delhi - Murder of Meiteis #2: Gallery
  • "Connections", art exhibitt @ DC : Gallery
  • Observance of Thang-Ta Day #1 : Gallery
  • Nupi Lal Memorial @Pune #1 : Gallery
  • Meitei Mayek Tamba : Online Classroom #5
  • Indigenous People Cultural Fest #1 : Gallery
  • Maibi Jagoi @ Mera Houchongba: Gallery
  • Ta Ta TabuHtoN :: Seireng
  • Downloadable Manipuri Calendar :: 2025
  • GHOST of PEACE :: Download Booklet