Zygogramma Bicolorata: A Natural Biocontrol Agent Against Parthenium hysterophorus

Authors

  • Shivam Satyawan Madrewar Rajarshee Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj College of Agriculture Author
  • Apurva Srishty Indian Institute of Management Author
  • Harshal Ramesh Bagul Indian Institute of Management Author
  • Shubham Maroti Narwade National Institute of Agricultural Extension Management Author
  • Nikita Rani National Institute of Agricultural Extension Management Author
  • Nimisha Ravindra Khadkikar Rajarshee Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj College of Agriculture Author

Keywords:

Parthenium Hysterophorus, Zygogramma Bicolorata, Biological Control, Invasive Weed Management, Agricultural Productivity

Abstract

Parthenium hysterophorus (Congress grass) is a significant weed problem in Indian agriculture, causing economic and ecological harm. This study evaluates the use of Zygogramma bicolorata (Mexican beetle) as a biological control method. Field trials were conducted over two years in Maharashtra, with beetles introduced to treatment plots and compared to control plots without beetles. Results showed an 80% reduction in Parthenium density, increased biodiversity (Shannon Index from 1.2 to 2.1), and a 12% boost in adjacent crop yields. Minimal impact on non-target species was observed. Farmers positively received this method for its ease and effectiveness. This study supports Zygogramma bicolorata as a sustainable, eco-friendly alternative to chemical herbicides for weed management.

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Published

2024-09-26

Issue

Vol. 2 No. 7 (2024): July 2024

Section

Articles

License

Copyright (c) 2024 Shivam Satyawan Madrewar, Apurva Srishty, Harshal Ramesh Bagul, Shubham Maroti Narwade, Nikita Rani, Nimisha Ravindra Khadkikar (Author)

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

How to Cite

Zygogramma Bicolorata: A Natural Biocontrol Agent Against Parthenium hysterophorus. (2024). International Journal of Sustainable Applied Sciences (IJSAS), 2(7), 661-670. https://penerbitjurnalinternasional.com/index.php/ijsas/article/view/626