SALALAH: A three-day scientific workshop on managing the invasive parthenium plant concluded in Salalah with recommendations to establish a comprehensive national strategy for controlling the pest from 2026 to 2030. Experts highlighted the serious threat posed by the plant to agriculture, biodiversity and public health, emphasising the need for coordinated national action.
Organised by Dhofar Municipality, the workshop brought together local and international scientists, government officials and environmental specialists to discuss research findings and practical solutions for parthenium management. Participants stressed the importance of a multi-faceted approach, combining biological, chemical, and cultural methods, backed by strong community involvement.
Some of the key recommendations included using the 2026 national survey as a baseline to monitor the plant’s spread and creating a digital monitoring database.
Others include strengthening traditional control measures while registering selective pesticides to avoid harming native flora.
Developing a national road map for biological control, including the introduction of natural predators and restoration of local vegetation.
Launching awareness campaigns to educate communities about the plant’s dangers, including its allergenic effects and impact on soil and crops.
Establishing a unified digital application for monitoring and reporting outbreaks, supported by a trained national network of volunteers and environmental monitors.
The workshop’s final day featured three sessions on biological management, non-biological methods (physical, cultural, and chemical), and a showcase of Oman’s best practices in invasive plant management. International experiences were shared to inform a unified national vision for effective parthenium control.
The seminar concluded with participant recognition, reinforcing Oman’s commitment to a science-driven, sustainable approach to protecting its environment and agricultural resources. — ONA
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