Background

Vermicompost of the toxic and allelopathic weed parthenium (Parthenium hysterophorus) was explored for its possible use as an organic fertilizer. Replicated plant growth trials were conducted using four levels of parthenium vermicompost (0, 2.5, 3.75, and 5 t/ha) to assess their effects on the germination, growth, and fruition of a typical food plant ladies finger (Abelmoschus esculentus). Additionally the role of vermicompost in reducing plant pests and disease was evaluated.

Results

Vermicompost encouraged the germination and growth of ladies finger at all levels of vermicompost application, with best results obtained in 5 t/ha treatments. The positive impact extended up to the fruit yield. Vermicompost application also improved the quality of fruits in terms of mineral, protein, and carbohydrate contents, and reduced the disease incidence and pest attacks.

Conclusions

The studies establish the fact that parthenium acquires all the qualities of a good organic fertilizer with concomitant loss of its toxic and allelopathic properties after it gets vermicomposted. The findings raise the prospects of economical and eco-friendly utilization of billions of tons of parthenium biomass which is generated annually but goes to waste at present.

中文翻译：

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白蚁（Parthenium hysterophorus）的解毒及其变态为有机肥料和生物农药。

 背景

人们探索了有毒且化感作用的杂草白部分草（ Parthenium hysterophorus ）的蚯蚓堆肥作为有机肥料的可能性。使用四种水平的白地蚓堆肥（0、2.5、3.75 和 5 吨/公顷）进行重复植物生长试验，以评估其对典型食用植物黄秋葵 ( Abelmoschus esculentus ) 发芽、生长和结果的影响。此外，还评估了蚯蚓堆肥在减少植物病虫害方面的作用。

 结果

蚯蚓堆肥在所有蚯蚓堆肥施用水平下都促进了羊角豆的发芽和生长，在 5 吨/公顷的处理中获得了最佳效果。积极的影响还延伸到了水果产量。蚯蚓粪的施用还提高了水果的矿物质、蛋白质和碳水化合物含量等品质，并减少了疾病的发生和害虫的侵袭。

 结论

研究证实了这样一个事实，即，在进行蚯蚓堆肥后，白地菊获得了良好有机肥料的所有品质，但同时失去了其毒性和化感作用。这些发现提出了经济和环境友好地利用每年产生但目前被浪费的数十亿吨白铼生物质的前景。