Growth Performance of Malaysian Parthenium hysterophorus under Various Environmental Variables

Parthenium weed is an invasive species of economic importance worldwide. Native to the American tropics, infestation ability a new habitat largely influenced by environmental factors. Despite invasion in Malaysia dated back 2013, investigation on its ecological behavior still lacking. Hence, extensive studies two predominant Malaysian populations were executed. In Petri dish seed bioassay, germination seeds was evident at temperatures up 80 °C. also germinable saline condition 250 mM, osmotic pressure ranging from ?1.2 0 MPa, and wide range pH (4–9), thus these abiotic conditions are no means limiting factors for weed. The pot trial observed that this grew readily various soil textures. successfully emerged cm not beyond 2 burial retained emergence capacity under different submergence periods water. most favorable moisture saturated (0 kPa), followed field (?30–?50 while occurred drought (?70 kPa) as well flooded soils. These indicate both possess high tolerance Malaysia. Results obtained current study have crucially become guidelines local government authorities predicting spread diverse zones, further manage pernicious efficiently.