SALALAH: The ongoing efforts to combat the harmful spread of the Parthenium plant in Dhofar Governorate have made substantial progress, with research studies and field initiatives revealing both the severity of the problem and the effectiveness of various strategies in mitigating its impact.
Recent findings from a study on the effect of Parthenium on natural pastures in the Khareef region of Dhofar revealed alarming trends. The study showed that natural pastures in the area, once yielding an average of 3,935 kilogrammes per hectare, have suffered sharp declines in productivity.
In areas infected by the Parthenium plant, dry mass productivity has dropped drastically, sometimes even reaching zero, raising serious concerns about the future sustainability of these vital resources.
The significance of these natural pastures cannot be overstated. According to scientific data from Dhofar University, the average pastoral productivity of dry grasses in various ecosystems such as dry plateaus, mountains and plains is estimated at 208,000 tonnes annually. This pastoral yield is a critical source of nutrition for livestock in the region, but the spread of Parthenium, coupled with early grazing practices, is putting this crucial resource at risk.
The Steering Committee for Dealing with Parthenium, chaired by Dr Ahmed bin Mohsen al Ghassani, has undertaken a series of important initiatives aimed at restoring the affected ecosystems and ensuring the future health of the region’s natural pastures. Dr Al Ghassani shared with ONA that the committee has made significant strides in its efforts, including the sowing of more than 40 billion seeds of perennial pastoral grasses during the previous season. In addition, over 68 million seeds of local trees and shrubs have been planted and the committee has distributed more than 3 million seed balls with plans for an additional 10 million in the near future.
Another crucial aspect of the committee’s strategy is the ongoing removal of Parthenium plants from the Dhofar Mountains. Over 2,700 tonnes of the invasive species were removed during 2024, leading to a marked reduction in the density of Parthenium in many areas. The plant density, which stood at 120 plants per square metre in 2022, has now dropped to 15 plants per square metre in many locations.
However, the committee has identified that some areas, particularly in the eastern and western parts of Dhofar, still face higher concentrations of the plant. In response, the committee is planning a targeted and intensive approach for these areas in the 2025 campaign, focusing on controlling Parthenium spread in 50 central areas.
The committee’s approach includes expanding the use of chemical plant pesticides in areas of dense Parthenium infestations. These pesticides, while effective, are applied with great caution to avoid any negative impacts on the surrounding environment and wildlife. The use of small, targeted amounts of chemicals aims to disrupt the photosynthesis process of the invasive plant without causing harm to animals. To ensure their safety and efficacy, the pesticides have been tested in experimental enclosures, with positive results observed compared to traditional physical control methods such as uprooting or cutting.
In addition to chemical control, the committee has explored biological control methods with the help of experts from Australia. The initial surveys conducted in Dhofar have identified several species of insects that feed on Parthenium, but biological control efforts are still in the early stages. Extensive testing in controlled laboratory environments is required before these methods can be implemented in the wild, with an expected timeline of up to five years for conclusive results.
Meanwhile, research by the University of Nizwa into the chemical and physiological properties of the Parthenium plant has yielded promising results. The study found that extracts from local herbs in Dhofar, such as 'Aliye' (Themeda quadrivalvis) and 'Shabdaf' (Apluda mutica), significantly inhibited the growth of the Parthenium plant. The chlorophyll pigment in the invasive plant decreased when these extracts were introduced, indicating stress on the Parthenium, which could provide a valuable tool in future efforts to combat its spread.
The field team of the Steering Committee has conducted several working visits to monitor the progress of seed ball planting and chemical control efforts. So far, the team has overseen the formation of over 4 million seed balls and has reported outstanding success in the chemical control sites, where more than 99 per cent of the treated Parthenium plants have been eradicated. In contrast, traditional control methods like cutting showed significantly less effectiveness, with only 10-20 per cent success in reducing the plant's spread.
The team also visited experimental fences in the Taitam and Jarziz Plains areas in Salalah, reviewing the current status of field experiments aimed at addressing Parthenium infestations. As efforts continue, the Steering Committee remains committed to finding the most sustainable and effective solutions to protect Dhofar’s vital pastures, with the ultimate goal of preserving the region’s biodiversity and ensuring the future health of its natural resources.
Through a combination of scientific research, innovative fieldwork and a commitment to environmental stewardship, the battle against Parthenium in Dhofar continues to move forward. While challenges remain, the ongoing efforts provide hope for a sustainable future for the region’s ecosystems and agricultural productivity. — ONA
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