COMPARATIVE VEGETATION STUDY OF PARTHENIUM GROWING AND NON-GROWING REGION OF RAJSHAHI CITY CORPORATION, BANGLADESH

The field study was conducted in three areas of Rajshahi City Corporation during March to August, 2014 to investigate the vegetative growth potentials of parthenium on the basis of different plant species and land. Parthenium hysterophorus L. is a weed of Asteraceae family possesses both scopes and hazards. This weed is mostly known for its harmful roles as environmental, medical and agricultural hazards. Parthenium contributes many health benefits, bioremediation, aquatic weeds eradication, use as biofuel and biopesticide. In this study high coverage of parthenium was found at the perennial barren and waste land. At Talaimari region both Cassia tora and Euphorbia hirta were highest (96%) in abundance where Parthenium did not invade but 82% and 96% respectively at the invaded region. In case of the area of University of Rajshahi  Imperata cylindrical (100%) at parthenium non invaded region and Euphorbia hirta (94%) after parthenium (100%). At Shyampur area Trifolia repens was highest (100%) in abundance at both parthenium invaded and noninvaded area and Euphorbia hirta, Imperata cylindrical and parthenium were abundant at100%. The study facilitates the beneficial use and hazard management as well as taking effective control measures of parthenium in Rajshahi City Corporation.