Ecofriendly Control of Carrot Weed <I>Parthenium hysterophorus</I> using Mexican Beetle <I>Zygogramma bicolorata</I> around Rahuri City (Maharashtra - India)

Abstract

Parthenium hysterophorus L. is a serious weed in India, covering about 5 million ha of land. Zygogramnw bicolorata Pallister the leaf beetle, Mexican was considered a safe biocontrol agent. It causes extensive damage to Parthenium plants. Its occurrences & distribution was studied around Rahuri city. It is not well established and spread in study area and need its dispersal to control the parthenium. The data on preference of food by adults of Z. bicolorata on crop plants along with carrot weed indicates its preference for feeding & oviposition to parthenium. It is found to be a promising, safe biocontrol agent. Its distribution among farmers can help to control the weed.