Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir Wildlife Conservation Department has introduced Mexican beetles in Jammu Zoo to systematically control the growth of parthenium weed.
In a first-of-its-kind effort, the department in collaboration with Sherry-Kashmiri University of Agriculture, Science and Technology (SKUAST) on Friday launched bio-control measures with the release of over 500 beetles in the zoo area, said Additional Director, Jambu Zoo, Anil Kumar Attri said.
The organization is exploring the possibility of eliminating Parthenium weevil in zoos by using its natural bio-control agent – the Mexican beetle (Zygogramma bicolorata).
The beetles will eat the leaves and sap of the parthenium, he said, preventing it from achieving full maturity and growing further.
"Similar sequential releases will be carried out at the same site for the next few months during the monsoon season and a similar approach will be adopted next year to ascertain its effectiveness in forested areas," Attri said.
He said it has been proven that the bio-control agent only eats parthenium and does not affect other plants and animals.
In a first-of-its-kind effort, the department in collaboration with Sherry-Kashmiri University of Agriculture, Science and Technology (SKUAST) on Friday launched bio-control measures with the release of over 500 beetles in the zoo area, said Additional Director, Jambu Zoo, Anil Kumar Attri said.
The organization is exploring the possibility of eliminating Parthenium weevil in zoos by using its natural bio-control agent – the Mexican beetle (Zygogramma bicolorata).
The beetles will eat the leaves and sap of the parthenium, he said, preventing it from achieving full maturity and growing further.
"Similar sequential releases will be carried out at the same site for the next few months during the monsoon season and a similar approach will be adopted next year to ascertain its effectiveness in forested areas," Attri said.
He said it has been proven that the bio-control agent only eats parthenium and does not affect other plants and animals.
