Mexican beetles to combat Parthenium

BANGALORE: University of Agricultural Sciences (UAS) is now selling Mexican Beetles, available only in the monsoon, for those combating the weed parthenium in the state.The UAS, as part of Parthenium Awareness Week, observed between August 16- 22, has been campaigning in various colleges in the city and in the state creating awareness among students and in turn involve them in creating awareness in villages.Parthenium, a commonly- found weed in the state, is harmful to animals and its pollen triggers asthma and other allergies.Experts from UAS, Gandhi Krishi Vignan Kendra (GKVK), said that the most effective and environment friendly method to tackle the weed is to manually pull it out, a cost-prohibitive method.“Mexican beetles feed on pollen of parthenium. They were imported in the 1970s and research was conducted to study its feeding pattern.When it was understood that it affects only parthenium, it was used in the wild,” says Dr T V Ramachandra Prasad, professor of Agronomy and principal investigator, All India Co-ordination Research Programme on Weed Control. The University employs labour under the NREGS to harvest these beetles which come out of hibernation from the earth only during the monsoons to feed and reproduce. “The beetles were found in Byatarayanapura and Jakkur areas,” explains the professor.This week, the beetles are available at only the price of the plastic container in which the beetles are sold to aid weed control. Professors explain that beetles are sold as they are shy fliers and do not move great distances, hence the need for awareness and the need to physically disburse the beetles.