SANParks BSP teams are making a huge impact to combat the spread of Parthenium

By -
By Priscilla Hlongwane
Parthenium is a dreaded alien that grows luxuriantly on roadsides, playgrounds, agricultural areas and residential plots. Seeds are spread by animals, movement of vehicles, wind and water. Seeds can remain in the soil for many years and are capable of germinating anytime when there is moisture. Infestation is spreading at an alarming into the K2C Landscape.

The effects of Parthenium are:
·     In human beings it causes: asthma, fever and burning and blisters around eyes.
·     On crops: Parthenium acts as a collateral host for many diseases caused by viruses in crop plant.
·     In animals (wildlife and livestock) it causes mouth ulcers which inhibits grazing
The well-trained SANParks BSP teams is using a chemical method with the use of the herbicide glyphosate to eradicate this dreaded invasive. This method is very effective in controlling this weed because 15 days after spraying, it causes the complete eradication of Parthenium population.

“To combat Parthenium before it spreads into the Rangelands and the Protected Area System is a priority.” Frans Lesoka said. 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Kukula Traditional Health Practitioners Association Bio-Cultural Community Protocols Revision Workshop & Peer-to-Peer Learning Exchange

By -
Image
Community mapping Natural Justice’s Cath Traynor together with Mina Buthelezi (SANParks BSP/K2C Data Collector & Field Assistant), and Prof. Wayne Twine (Wits University) facilitated a 3-day workshop with the Kukula Traditional Health Practitioners Association to revise their bio-cultural community protocol (BCP). The Kukula’s original BCP was finalized in 2010, and the past 6 years have seen a growth in Kukula membership, a change in their priorities plus the introduction by the South African Government of several new laws and policies which will impact the Kukula. The objectives of the workshop were to (i) finalize the BCP revision process, (ii) focused discussions concerning leveraging the revised BCP, (iii) furthering engagement around medicinal plant issues with protected areas managers, and (iv) peer-to-peer learning exchange with Ndindani Community Nursery in Phalaborwa . During the first session of the workshop the Kukula agreed on a BCP revision process, this wa...
Read more

K2C to start a blogging page

By -
Image
From the 1st Dec 2013, K2C will start a regular blog posting on this page.   Various potential bloggers will be approached by K2C to submit regular blogs on their life in the K2C, their challenges and opportunities.   If you would like to contribute and be a regular blogger on the K2C blog page, please contact info@kruger2canyons.org.   If you would like to be able to follow the regular blogs, please fill in your email address in the email block below "Follow by Email"
Read more

KNP ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION CAPACITY BUILDING FOR ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORS

By -
Image
By Vulani Mabunda On the 19 th of July 2019 19x EMS from different host institutions, i.e.   Sefapane, Nourish and Letaba Ranch attended an Environmental Education workshop at Letaba Elephant Hall facilitated by KNP’s Kirsty Reedman and her team. Environmental Education (EE) connects us to the world around us, teaching about both natural built environments, EE raises awareness of issues impacting the environment upon which we depend, as well as actions we can take to improve and sustain it. The specific outcome s from the Workshop was to empower participants to be able to: Design and implement an environmental Education Programme Design and implement a children’s environmental education programme Design and implement an environmental education programme for visitors to a conservation area Through this workshop, EM's acquired a lot of knowledge and experience in terms of Environmental Education:  EM's learned how to integ...
Read more