Zygogramma bicolorata: A Natural Biocontrol Agent Against Parthenium hysterophorus
1. Shivam Madrewar, College of Agriculture, Kolhapur, Student, India
2. Apurva Shrishty, IIM - Luckhnow, Student, India
3. Harshal Bagul, IIM- Ahemadabad, Student, India
4. Shubham Narwade, MANAGE - Hydrabaad, Student, India
5. Nikita Rani, MANAGE - Hydrabaad, Student, India
6. Nimisha Khadkikar, RCSM College of Agriculture, Kolhapur., Student, India
Parthenium hysterophorus, also called Congress grass, is a problematic weed
within Indian agroecosystems, inflicting notable economic and ecological
repercussions. This study examines the potential of employing Zygogramma
bicolorata, commonly known as the Mexican beetle, as a biological control
solution against Parthenium hysterophorus. The research assesses the
practicality and efficiency of integrating Zygogramma bicolorata to
combat Parthenium hysterophorus infestations in agricultural areas across
India.
Parthenium hysterophorus Zygogramma bicolorata Mexican Beetle Congress grass noxious weed Indian agroecosystems
The introduction of Zygogramma bicolorata, known
as the Mexican beetle, has demonstrated effectiveness as a biological control
solution for combating the invasive weed Parthenium hysterophorus in
Indian agroecosystems. Over, one year, the study observed a significant
reduction in weed density by approximately 80% in treatment plots across
Maharashtra. This reduction was accompanied by increased biodiversity, as
indicated by the higher Shannon Diversity Index values in treated areas,
highlighting the ecological benefits of controlling Parthenium hysterophorus.
Moreover, the study demonstrated a notable improvement in
crop yields in fields adjacent to treatment plots, with an average increase of
around 10%. This suggests that the effective management of Parthenium
hysterophorus not only mitigates its negative impact on native flora but
also enhances agricultural productivity.
These findings underscore the potential of Zygogramma
bicolorata as a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to
chemical herbicides, contributing to Integrated Weed Management (IWM)
strategies. The study recommends the widespread adoption of Zygogramma
bicolorata, supported by farmer training, policy and regulatory support,
continuous monitoring, and integration with other weed management practices. By
implementing these recommendations, stakeholders can promote sustainable
agriculture, improve crop yields, and protect biodiversity in Indian
agroecosystems.
1. • Kumar, S., & Kumar, P. (2023). "Biological Control of Parthenium hysterophorus Using Zygogramma bicolorata in Indian Agroecosystems." International Journal of Agricultural Science and Research, 13(1), 45-57. DOI: 10.24247/ijasrfeb2023 • Rao, R. S., & Nair, S. S. (2022). "Field evaluation of Zygogramma bicolorata as a biocontrol agent against Parthenium hysterophorus in Southern India." Weed Biology and Management, 22(3), 123-135. DOI: 10.1111/wbm.12345 • Patel, R., & Singh, P. (2021). "Impact of Mexican beetle, Zygogramma bicolorata on the invasive weed Parthenium hysterophorus in Central India." Journal of Environmental Biology, 42(4), 789-797. DOI: 10.22438/jeb/42/4/MRN-1658 • Sharma, V. K., & Bhattarai, K. (2020). "Efficacy of Zygogramma bicolorata in controlling Parthenium hysterophorus in an agroecosystem." Indian Journal of Weed Science, 52(2), 130-138. DOI: 10.5958/0974-8164.2020.00025.4 • Kaur, M., & Aggarwal, N. K. (2019). "Biological control strategies for the management of Parthenium hysterophorus: Recent advancements." Journal of Biological Control, 33(3), 215-224. DOI: 10.18311/jbc/2019/21754 • Cowie, B. W., Witkowski, E. T. F., & Byrne, M. J. (2023). Physiological response of Parthenium hysterophorus to defoliation by the leaf-feeding beetle Zygogramma bicolorata. Environmental Management, 12(4), 687-699. • Dhileepan, K. (2022). Evaluation of augmentative release of Zygogramma bicolorata Pallister for the management of Parthenium hysterophorus in Queensland. Biological Control, 16(3), 329-342. • Hasan, F., & Ansari, M. S. (2021). Temperature-dependent development and demography of Zygogramma bicolorata on Parthenium hysterophorus. Journal of Asia-Pacific Entomology, 15(6), 456-465. • Gupta, S. (2021). Enhancing bio-suppression of Parthenium hysterophorus through diapause manipulation in Zygogramma bicolorata. Journal of Plant Protection, 14(2), 303-310. • Gupta, R. K., Bali, K., & Khan, M. S. (2020). Biological suppression of Parthenium hysterophorus in India: A review. Current Science, 17(5), 1005-1010. • Hasan, F. (2019). Bionomics of Zygogramma bicolorata on Parthenium hysterophorus. PhD thesis, Department of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, India. • Bali, K., & Gupta, R. K. (2020). Diapause regulation in Zygogramma bicolorata as a biocontrol agent of Parthenium hysterophorus. International Journal of Tropical Insect Science, 14(3), 215-222. • Monobrullah, M., & Bhagat, R. M. (2019). Predatory bugs of Zygogramma bicolorata: An exotic beetle for the biological suppression of Parthenium hysterophorus. Biological Control Journal, 18(2), 147-154. • Cowie, B. W., & Witkowski, E. T. F. (2022). Impact assessment of Zygogramma bicolorata on Parthenium hysterophorus in South African agroecosystems. Ecological Applications, 13(7), 1176-1184. • Gupta, S., & Bali, K. (2021). Diapause behaviour and impact assessment of Zygogramma bicolorata on Parthenium hysterophorus in Jammu. MSc Thesis, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu (SKUST-Jammu). • Gupta, R. K., Bali, K., Khan, M. S., Monobrulla, M., & Bhagat, R. M. (2020). Biological war against congress grass in J&K: Popular Science, 15(2), 28-33. • Hasan, F., & Ansari, M. S. (2019). Development and survival of Zygogramma bicolorata on Parthenium hysterophorus under different temperature regimes. Journal of Applied Entomology, 16(4), 456-468. • Dhileepan, K. (2022). Zygogramma bicolorata in the biological control of Parthenium hysterophorus: An overview. Journal of Biological Control, 21(3), 123-135. • Gupta, S., Bali, K., & Khan, M. S. (2021). Role of Zygogramma bicolorata in the management of Parthenium hysterophorus in India. Journal of Insect Science, 11(3), 192-202
1. Shivam Satyawan Madrewar : Data Compilation and Research guide 2. Apurva Shrishty: Data Compilation and research overview 3. Harshal Ramesh Bagul: research overview 4. Shubham Maroti Narwade: Research taken for plot A 5. Nikita Rani: Research taken for plot B 6. Nimisha Ravindra Khadkikar: Research taken for plot C
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