Gajar ghas — A health hazardous weed
U.S. Walia and L.S. Brar

PARTHENIUM hysterophorus known as carrot grass (gajar ghas) is the most noxious weed of non-crop land area of Punjab. It has invaded the entire area which is considered to be no man’s land in the state. It is a tall growing, deep-rooted, much branched with 3 to 4 feet height at the fully flowered stage. Its highly incised leaves resemble very much to that of carrot plants.

It bears terminal numerous flowers — white in colour. Flowers bear numerous seed, which are easily dispersed by wind or water. As soon as the winter season is over i.e. in the end of February, this weed starts appearing in flushes and continues to appear till October-November. This weed appears in four to five flushes or even more depending upon the rainfall pattern of the year in one year. However, during the rainy season i.e. July and August, nuisance value of parthenium is at the top.

For more information,please visit at
http://www.tribuneindia.com/2001/20011015/agro.htm#1

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