Journal of Research in Weed Science

Abstract Since its introduction into Ethiopia during 1970s, Prosopis juliflora, became an environmental issue in areas where it was first introduced to combat desertification. This review paper was aimed at reviewing some adverse effects of the plant on socioeconomic, environmental and biodiversity with its control practices in the eastern Ethiopia. Contrary to its purpose of introduction, this plant has been found to be highly invasive and, it imposed adverse effects on the native plant species. The plant is declared as an invader which has put impacts on socioeconomic, environment, and biodiversity of the eastern region of Ethiopia especially afar region and Dire Dawa; which became alarm for pastoralists, development agents, scientists, and policy makers. Though cultural practices such as burning and cutting were mainly practiced, the invasion could not be stopped.

Abstract Water hyacinth is free-floating, stoloniferous and perennial herb. It is an aquatic invasive species; native to South America and most aggressive invasive species worldwide. It profoundly invaded the tropical and subtropical region of the world, as a result of ornamental properties and reproductive capability of the weed. In addition, it is recognized as one of the worst weeds due to its rapid proliferation rate, ecological adaptability and detrimental effects on environment, human health and economic development. It poses serious socio-economic and environmental problems includes destruction of biodiversity, hindrance to water transport and recreation, oxygen depletion and reduction of water quality, breeding ground for pests, vectors and their effect on human health, hampering agriculture and fisheries, affect hydropower and water supply systems and increased evapo-transpiration. Therefore deferent management strategies such as physical, chemical and biological methods had been used to control the weed. Accordingly manual removal was used in South Africa; Zimbabwe Lake Mutirikwi; Ethiopia Wonji-Shewa Sugar Factory and Owen fall hydropower in Jinja at Lake Victoria. Chemical control was practiced in Zimbabwe Lake Chivero using 2-4-D; South-west Nigeria Ere fishing channel by glyphosate; South Africa larger dams and river systems by using glyphosate; Zimbabwe acetic acid and glyphosate control the weed at experimental site. Biological control was practiced in Zimbabwe Lake Chivero through combination of weevil and fungi; Kenya Lake Victoria and China by two types of weevils (Neochetina bruchi and Neochetina eichhornia) and Ethiopia Neochetina bruchi and fungi at Rift Valley and in green house at experimental level respectively.

Abstract Compare other countries studies associated with field bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis L.) biological control is too short in Iran. Field bindweed is a major weed of several field crops. During a survey, we focus to finding natural enemies of this weed in Khorasan Razavi province for two years. This paper reports the presence of a seed beetle Spermophagus sericeus Geoffroy as a major natural enemy against field bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis L.) in northeast of Iran. Samples of field bindweeds capsules and seeds collected in tomato fields at two locations in that region. Results showed that the reproductive organs of field bindweed were severely damaged, where 76 and 62 percent of capsules and seeds were infested by S. sericeus respectively. Our findings showed the high level control of field bindweed by S. sericeus and this beetle can be considered as a proper bio control agent for this weed in Iran. However more studies about host specificity of this beetle should be performed.