Question:
Which of the following is a biological agent for suppressing Parthenium hysterophorus?
Which of the following is a biological agent for suppressing Parthenium hysterophorus?
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Zygogramma bicolorata (Mexican Beetle) = Parthenium control.
Neochetina bruchi = Water Hyacinth control.
Neochetina bruchi = Water Hyacinth control.
Updated On: Aug 13, 2026
- Mexican beetle
- Gall fly
- Grass hopper
- Trichoderma
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Verified By Collegedunia
The Correct Option is A
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Biological control of weeds involves the introduction of natural enemies (insects, pathogens, etc.) from the weed's native range to suppress its population. Parthenium hysterophorus (Carrot grass) is a noxious invasive weed in India.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The most successful and widely used biological control agent for Parthenium in India is the Mexican Beetle, scientifically known as {Zygogramma bicolorata.
This beetle was imported from Mexico to India in 19 Both the adult beetles and their larvae feed exclusively on the leaves of the Parthenium plant. Under favorable conditions, the beetle population explodes and can completely defoliate vast areas of the weed, preventing it from producing seeds and thus reducing its spread over time. It is a highly host-specific insect, meaning it does not attack commercial crops or other native vegetation.
Gall fly (Cecidomyiidae) is used for other weeds, and Tricoderma is a bio-fungicide used for soil-borne diseases, not weed suppression. While some grasshoppers may eat Parthenium, they are generalist feeders and are not used as "biological agents" for specific weed suppression.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The Mexican beetle (Zygogramma bicolorata) is the correct biological agent for Parthenium control.
Biological control of weeds involves the introduction of natural enemies (insects, pathogens, etc.) from the weed's native range to suppress its population. Parthenium hysterophorus (Carrot grass) is a noxious invasive weed in India.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The most successful and widely used biological control agent for Parthenium in India is the Mexican Beetle, scientifically known as {Zygogramma bicolorata.
This beetle was imported from Mexico to India in 19 Both the adult beetles and their larvae feed exclusively on the leaves of the Parthenium plant. Under favorable conditions, the beetle population explodes and can completely defoliate vast areas of the weed, preventing it from producing seeds and thus reducing its spread over time. It is a highly host-specific insect, meaning it does not attack commercial crops or other native vegetation.
Gall fly (Cecidomyiidae) is used for other weeds, and Tricoderma is a bio-fungicide used for soil-borne diseases, not weed suppression. While some grasshoppers may eat Parthenium, they are generalist feeders and are not used as "biological agents" for specific weed suppression.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The Mexican beetle (Zygogramma bicolorata) is the correct biological agent for Parthenium control.
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