Distribution and potential invasion of Opuntia spp. on selected Namibian sites

Abstract: 
The distribution, density and size attributes of an alien invasive species, Opuntia spp., were assessed on each of north, west, south and eastern communal and commercial farming sites in Namibia. A chemical control trial on this species was carried out with two chemicals, Monosodium Methyl Arsenate (MSMA) and Glyphosate. The density of Opuntia in Namibia was found to be sparse. Most populations had a significantly higher juvenile proportion, indicating potential for aggressive invasion of the species. MSMA treatment yielded the best results. Landowners are advised to treat Opuntia spp. chemically while densities are still low.
La distribution, la densité et les caractéristiques de taille d’une espèce envahissante étrangère, appelée “ Opuntia spp.” ont été évaluées sur chacun des sites agricoles commerciaux et communaux du nord, de l’ouest, du sud et de l’est de la Namibie. Une épreuve de contrôle chimique sur cette espèce a été effectuée avec deux produits chimiques, arséniate méthylique monosodique (MSMA) et glyphosate. Il s’est avéré que la densité d’ Opuntia en Namibie est dispersée. La plupart des populations ont eu une proportion juvénile sensiblement plus élevée, indiquant la possibilité d’une invasion agressive de l’espèce. Le traitement avec MSMA a donné les meilleurs résultats. Des propriétaires fonciers sont avertis de traiter cette espèce chimiquement pendant que les densités sont encore basses.
Language: 
English
Date of publication: 
2010
Country: 
Region Focus: 
Southern Africa
University/affiliation: 
Collection: 
RUFORUM Conferences and Workshops
Licence conditions: 
Open Access
Access restriction: 
Form: 
Printed resource
Publisher: 
ISSN: 
E_ISSN: 
Edition: 
Extent: 
340-343
Notes: 

"The 2010 RUFORUM Biennial Conference was the second in the series. The main objective of the Biennial conferences is to provide a platform for agricultural research for development stakeholders in Africa and beyond to actively exchange findings and experiences, while at the same time learning lessons towards improving performance of the agricultural sector and ultimately people’s livelihoods. The biennial conference is RUFORUM’s most comprehensive meeting for the diversity of stakeholders in agriculture. It is especially dedicated to graduate students and their supervisors, grantees in RUFORUM member universities and alumni. It is a platform for peer review, quality control, mentorship, networking and shared learning. This record contains an extended abstract accepted under the theme of Pests"