The government is researching a scientific method to eradicate a parasitic weed attacking trees and shrubs in Western and parts of the Rift Valley.
The weed is known botanically as cuscuta scampestis or field dodder, hell weed, devil's gut, beggar weed, strangle tare and scald weed.
Francis Osia, a researcher at the Kenya Forestry Research Institute, said the weed is propagated by birds and human activities such as movement of materials from one point to another.
“When the weed perches on the host plant, it transmits and injects it with a poisonous substance through its tendrils that eventually kill the plant,” he said.
Osia said the weed could have adverse effects on tree planting initiatives to help the government achieve the 10 per cent forest cover.
The weed was first reported in Uganda years back and since then, it has been spreading into Kenya.
So far, there is no scientific method to eradicate the weed.
Osia said people whose trees or hedges have been invaded by the weed will have to continue removing it manually until a scientific method is found.
“We are aware the weed has invaded parts of Western and the Rift Valley and research is underway to find a scientific method to remove it,” he said.
Residents whose hedges and trees have been destroyed by the weed have appealed to the government to find a quick solution to curb its spread.
The majority of residents hand-pick the weed to save their hedges and trees from further damage.
Edited by A.N
