Mexican insect destroys weed

Snehamoy Chakraborty
SRINIKETAN, Sept. 19: An experiment on weed control conducted by the
All India Coordinated Research Programme (AICRP) of Visva-Bharati's
Pally Sikhsha Bhavana led by Dr B. Duary has proven that an insect
called the Mexican Beetle can destroy the poisonous Parthenium weed.
The experiment was conducted in the surrounding areas of Santiniketan
where the Parthenium weed grows. The insect was first brought from
Mexico in 1984. In 2002, the AICRP brought the insect from Bangalore
to apply those on Parthenium weeds. After several experiments this
year, the AICRP (weed control) achieved success. The Parthenium weeds
have been destroyed in all those places in Santiniketan where the
insects were released.
According to Dr B. Duary, the principal investigator of AICRP (weed
control) of Visva-Bharati, the insect *Mexican Beetle* is a type of
insect which can selectively feed on Parthenium without causing any
harm to the surrounding environment.
“The insect is a bio-control agent. We conducted an experiment by
releasing one insect in a Parthenium bush, which was completely
destroyed by the insects. This is our grand success,” said Dr Duary,
the principal investigator, AICRP, Visva-Bharati.
In order to create awareness among the common people regarding
Parthenium, its nature, harmful effects and an integrated approach
towards its eradication, a ‘Parthenium Awareness Week’ was announced
at a national level from 6 to 12 September this year. AICRP (weed
control), Institute of Agriculture Visva-Bharati observed the week by
organising various awareness programmes, involving the Panchayat,
Municipality, Club, Eco-club, Railway Department, NGOs, Schools,
Colleges and the teaching and non-teaching staffs of Visva-Bharati.
Regarding the harmfulness of Parthenium weed, Dr Duary said: “In
general Parthenium is a poisonous, pernicious, problematic, allergic
and aggressive weed that poses a serious threat to bio-diversity,
human beings and livestock. It is one of the greatest sources of
dermatitis, asthma, and nasal-dermal or nasal-bronchial type of
diseases. The young plants contain hair, which can cause dermatitis
among people as well as hair-fall and skin ulcer among animals through
direct contact. According to us, the Parthenium poses a threat to all
of us.”
However, the experiment with the insect Mexican Beetle is beneficial
for us as it feeds on Parthenium weed and hence helps in destroying
it. The Department of Agriculture is now hopeful, as the experiment
has been completed successfully.
However, apart from the insect-therapy, there are several other ways
to destroy the poisonous Parthenium weed by burning it or by nipping
it from the root when it is growing.

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