TODAY -

Importance of biological control in Indian agriculture
- Part 1 -

SM Haldhar, EVD Sastry, M Premjit Singh *



Pest control is an important aspect of agriculture which determines the production and productivity of crops. There are several ways by which the pests and diseases are controlled, of which the use of synthetic pesticides is common as it is cost-effective and results are immediate with the realization of dividends instant, however on the other side, these chemicals are hazardous to human health and dangerous to the environment.

Although, biological control per se has been in use in agriculture for centuries, as an industry biological control is still in its infancy. Biological control is now being advocated for an increasing number of crops and managed ecosystems as the primary method of pest control. One reason for its growing popularity is its record of safety during the past 100 years considered as the era of modern biological control (Waage and Greathead, 1988).

DebBach (1964) defined biological control as the action of parasites, predators, or pathogens in maintaining another organism’s population density at a longer average than would occur in their absence. Biological control depends on knowledge of biological interactions starting at the molecular level to the ecosystem level and is often more complicated to manage compared with physical and chemical methods.

Biological control is also likely to be less spectacular than most physical or chemical controls but is usually also more stable and long-lasting (Baker and Cook, 1974). No microorganism or beneficial insect deliberately introduced or manipulated for biological control purposes has become a pest on its own so far and there is no evidence so far of measurable or even negligible negative effects of biocontrol agents on the environment.

Singh (2004) concluded that in India, the maximum degree of success with biological control agents was achieved in the control of aquatic weeds (55%); hemipteran pests in crop situations (46.7%) followed by terrestrial weeds (23.8%).

McFadyen (2000) listed 44 weeds, which were successfully controlled somewhere in the world using introduced insects and pathogens. Biological control programs have saved millions of dollars and despite the high initial costs, are very cost-effective. The era of modern biological control, involving the deliberate transfer and introduction of natural enemies of insect pests was launched 100 years ago.

NEED FOR BIOLOGICAL CONTROL IN INDIA

The production of food grain should increase regularly to meet the needs of the growing population. Beyond good agronomic and horticultural practices, growers often rely heavily on chemical fertilizers and pesticides.

However, the environmental pollution caused by excessive use and misuse of agrochemicals, as well as fear-mongering by some opponents of pesticides, has led to considerable changes in people’s attitudes towards the use of pesticides, has led to considerable changes in people’s attitudes towards the use of pesticides in agriculture. A concomitant increase in the proportion of pests and diseases resulted in the increased use of toxic chemicals for their management.

Excessive use of synthetic pesticides has made pests resistant to these chemicals. The number of species resistant to pesticides and fungicides has increased. In recent years after the signing of the general agreement of trade and tariff of the world trade organization, more emphasis is being given to the use of eco-friendly pesticides for crop production because of their lower toxicity, higher levels of disease resistance and low residue problems.

However, biological controls should be integrated with other control measures because different methods are effective at different times and locations under varying conditions.

BIOLOGICAL CONTROL IN NORTH-EAST INDIA

In North-East India, there is huge scope of biological control because of congenial environmental condition that favours the biological control agents i.e., RH (>80%), temperature (12-350C), low pH, Rainfall (300-3000 mm) favourable for BCA, wide diversity in terms of species and strains of biocontrol resources i.e. plants, fungi, bacteria, virus, parasitoids, predators and good potential market for biopesticides for large scale cultivation of crops.

The congress grass (Parthenium hysterophorus L.) has been considered as one of the worst weeds responsible for causing health hazards in human beings and animals besides the loss to crop productivity and plant biodiversity. It was first reported in India in 1995 and now occurs throughout the country including North-East India. Parthenium was found to be grown luxuriantly in all the selected National and State Highways of North East India.

The Mexican beetle (Zygogramma Bicolorata) is a host-specific leaf-feeding beetle and proved successful for the control of P. hysterophorus. The beetle was imported by the Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (IIHR), Bangalore from the Mexican substation of Commonwealth Institute of Biological Control (CIBC).

Under the Department of Biotechnology, Govt. of India’s Twinning R & D Programme on Parthenium management in NER released 35,000 beetles in the N.E. region during 2015. From our field observations, it was observed that Mexican beetles acclimatized in the climatic condition of NE India. Field observation reveals complete invasion of road median flora by Parthenium resulting in complete changeover of the plant biodiversity in the National and State Highways of NE India.

Similarly, successful control of water hyacinth, Eichorniacrassipes has been achieved by the exotic weevil Neochetinaeichhorniae, N. bruchi @ 50,000 ha-1 and found the dispersal of the weevil in 8 districts of Assam through aerial migration and Brahmaputra river and its tributaries. In Sibsagar district of Assam > 700 ha of water body has been cleared off by the action of this exotic weevil and control achieved is about 90%.

Hazarika et at. (1994) reviewed work done on biocontrol especially in North-East India by pointing out lacunae, prospects, and the role of biocontrol in reducing the pesticidal load on tea. Somchoudhury et at. (1995) identified 38 species of predatory mites on the red spider mite in North-East India.

Studies related to spiders as predators of tea pests are scarce; however, Hazarika and Cakraborti(1998) identified 28 species of predatory spiders on mites, jassids, and aphids. They collected these species not only from tea but also from shade trees and ancillary crops. Earlier, Zhang (1993) identified and described species of spiders that prey on tea leafhoppers in China.

SUCCESSFUL STORIES OF BIOLOGICAL CONTROL IN INDIA

Biological control has been defined simply as the utilization of natural enemies to reduce the damage caused by noxious organisms to tolerable levels (DeBach and Rosen, 1991). Biological control i.e., conservation, augmentation, and introduction of exotic natural enemies has been accepted as an effective, environmentally non-degrading, technically appropriate, economically viable and socially acceptable method of pest management.

One approach to biological control has been termed “Classical biological control”, it involves the discovery, importation, and establishment of exotic natural enemies with the hope that they will suppress a particular organism’s population.

This approach has been most successful in situations in which an organism moves or has been transported to a new environment, usually without the natural enemies that have regulated its population and prevented major outbreaks. Alien species are recognized as the second-largest threat to biological diversity, the first being habitat destruction. The exotic pests in the absence of their natural antagonists, which they leave in their original home, cause unprecedented damage.

The economic impact of invasive pests is tremendous. Some successful examples of biological control have been described as following under:

BIOLOGICAL CONTROL OF PRICKLY PEAR, OPUNTIA SPP.

Prickly pear cacti, Opuntia spp. (origin: New World) were deliberately introduced into India in conjunction with the cochineal trade. These plants are also known for their edible fruits, drought resistance and emergency forage value of certain spineless forms, as botanical curiosities as well as garden ornamentals.

The first successful classical biological control was achieved in India when cochineal insect, Dactylopiusceylonicus was introduced from Brazil in 1975 in the mistaken belief that it was the true carmine dye producing insect, D. coccus. D. ceylonicus multiplied on cultivated spineless pear cactus, Opuntia ficus (= O. indica). D. ceylonicus later readily established on drooping prickly pear, Opuntia vulgaris (its natural host) in the north and central India bringing about spectacular suppression of O. vulgaris.

Currently D. ceylonicus continues to successfully control O. vulgaris, reducing it from a state of widespread abundance to that of virtual extinction in southern India and northern Sri Lanka and a relatively uncommon weed in the northern parts of India.


To be continued.....


* SM Haldhar, EVD Sastry, M Premjit Singh wrote this article for The Sangai Express
This article was webcasted on September 03 2022.



* Comments posted by users in this discussion thread and other parts of this site are opinions of the individuals posting them (whose user ID is displayed alongside) and not the views of e-pao.net. We strongly recommend that users exercise responsibility, sensitivity and caution over language while writing your opinions which will be seen and read by other users. Please read a complete Guideline on using comments on this website.




LATEST IN E-PAO.NET
  • Archaeology: Culture of Manipur : Booklet
  • Violence in Manipur 2023-2025 : Timeline
  • Wanna be a singer? Get Botox
  • A Central institute in Manipur
  • Nagging in the name of love
  • COVID-19: Update 02 July 2025 : Manipur
  • 'Benefits' of Indira's Emergency
  • Social Stigma :: Poem
  • Inking a peace pact: Why, how: SoO quagmire
  • Van Mahotsav under shadow of declining forest
  • 11th Th Kishan Memorial Lecture : Gallery
  • Shinthoibi, Jangvei, Tamphaton : eMing
  • Manipur crisis & the Left media's blind spot
  • COVID-19: Update 01 July 2025 : Manipur
  • Bombom RK : Musclemania Universe NYC
  • The Grief :: Poem
  • Music Concert & Quiz (MCQ) 2.0
  • SoO agreement unlikely to be scrapped
  • Regulating use of plastic carry bags
  • Mera Houchongba @Kangla #4 : Gallery
  • International Day of Yoga @JNMDA : Gallery
  • BD Behring: The inimitable Gentleman I knew
  • Violence in the name of patriotism : Misguided
  • Daily oral vs long-acting injectable for HIV
  • COVID-19: Update 30 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Smile :: Poem
  • Why was President's Rule imposed ?
  • BJP under pressure to forge unity
  • Kang @Leikai in Imphal : Gallery
  • July Calendar for Year 2025 : Tools
  • COVID-19 : A recurring crisis in Manipur
  • DC Kaith and Forestry in Manipur : Book
  • COVID-19: Update 29 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Longing for Peace :: Poem
  • Black badge, slogan protest by peeved scribes
  • Present the true picture before Delhi
  • Pung-Cholom @ Polo Tournament : Gallery
  • Life: A Journey Through Thought & Being
  • Khongjai Hills & Kuki claim to indigeneity
  • Master Time by Managing Information
  • COVID-19: Update 28 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Pride & patriotism in CCpur's army families
  • The Power of Poppy - 87 :: Poem
  • World Decarbonisation Day: green environment
  • Welcome Home - Nganthoi #2 : Gallery
  • Loss of two precious lives from Manipur
  • Balancing civil liberties with public safety
  • COVID-19: Update 27 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Gender equality & human rights are indivisible
  • Stay hydrated this summer season
  • Silent Half of the Sun :: Poem
  • Connecting the dots in the wishlist
  • Assembly record tampering claims by ex-CM
  • The immortal legacy of Pukhramba Kajao
  • International Day against Drug Abuse 2025
  • COVID-19: Update 26 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Black pottery from Ukhrul - tribal heritage
  • Program on "Mission-Drug Free Campus"
  • Play makes a better world
  • Urgent Appeal to the Honourable MLAs
  • Tribal Empowerment Campaign at CCpur
  • Talk doing the round: PM to come
  • 'Emergency' relief for under-fire BJP
  • Golden Jubilee Art Fair @Imphal : Gallery
  • Declaration: Meetei People Convention, Delhi
  • A Flower Among the Rocks :: Review
  • Book Donation Campaign
  • Improved road connectivity boosts livelihoods
  • To Have Great Dreams :: Poem
  • COVID-19: Update 25 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Regret vs Sorry: Technical & moral insight
  • Cocktail of inept Govt, selfish people
  • State trailing others in cleanliness
  • Colonial Knowledge in NE India #6
  • UHI effect & rising temperatures in Manipur
  • Frequent road blockades cripple economy
  • COVID-19: Update 24 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Unite Health with Community health services
  • NSU, Imphal, tops IIRF Ranking 2025
  • Endless conflict :: Poem
  • Pak nobel pish prize for Trump
  • May 3, 2023 - June 24, 2025: Failure of Delhi
  • Hotter days, sudden rainfall no more a rarity
  • "The Great June Uprising" #2 : Gallery
  • How to Build a Career, Lead with Purpose
  • 2nd Foundation Day- Karnataka Meitei Assn
  • COVID-19: Update 23 June 2025 : Manipur
  • NSCN-IM Amnesty threatens to isolate it
  • Sunset :: Poem
  • Intl Yoga Day for a healthier environment
  • Of clogged drains and plastics
  • Poor roads testify Govt indifference
  • Welcome Home - Nganthoi #1 : Gallery
  • The Silent Erosion of Manipuri Language
  • Design health services around people
  • Serene Hills Host Inspiring Int'l Yoga Day
  • COVID-19: Update 22 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Chopper services between Senapati & Imphal
  • High Court Judges interacted with convicts
  • Redyeing the Fabric :: Poem
  • Differences yet to be resolved stand
  • Border fencing rage as solution eludes
  • Radio E-pao: 14 new songs updated
  • Climate Adaptive Agroforestry
  • Manipur overlooked demographic shifts
  • Young designers shine on Fashion Stage
  • COVID-19: Update 21 June 2025 : Manipur
  • International Day of Yoga at Lamphelpat
  • International Day of Yoga at JNMDA
  • The Power of Poppy - 86 :: Poem
  • Keishampat Lairembi Haraoba #1 : Gallery
  • Crisis in Manipur's Contemporary Education
  • Best 8 Performances in Manipuri Cinema
  • Identity: Caught between China & India ?
  • COVID-19: Update 20 June 2025 : Manipur
  • To The Father Who Listens :: Poem
  • How does net suspension affect youths ?
  • Targeting farmers to cripple state's economy
  • The virus is back and spreading
  • Who is afraid of Manipur ?
  • A threatened lily growing at Shirui Hills
  • World Environment Day in Manipur : Gallery
  • Ambubachi Mela at Maa Kamakhya
  • COVID-19: Update 19 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Dolls made from repurposed vegetable refuse
  • Condemns Attack on Farmer & Killing
  • Abhorrent politics of SoO
  • Police arrogance on harmless drivers
  • "The Great June Uprising" #1 : Gallery
  • Solution from Buddhist & Jain perspectives
  • AI sparks employment concerns in Manipur
  • Greatest Foe :: Poem
  • Chief Justice at Relief Camp, Kangpokpi
  • Call for Recognition of a 3rd Category of IDPs
  • Jun 18, 2001- May 3, 2023: Seed of violence
  • Contract scam in hill districts
  • Colonial Knowledge in NE India #5
  • Spaced Out - Panthung Di Kadaaida! : Rvw
  • Condemns the Killing of Abdul Qadir
  • COVID-19: Update 17 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Thoubal aspirant makes Manipur proud
  • Tamenglong hospital brings quality healthcare
  • Chief Justice at Relief Camp, Mayang Imphal
  • Kuki CM & Sixth Schedule
  • Selective protests, selective silence
  • Nailing the culprits need of the hour
  • UK Meetei diaspora run for Myanmar : Gallery
  • Erwin Khundrakpam : NEET-UG 2025 topper
  • Will we rise to #endAIDS challenge or stumble
  • COVID-19: Update 16 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Appeal to Prime Minister: Manipur Crisis
  • Urges Action on Misinformation
  • Condolences : 2 young cabin crew
  • Grateful To Be Alive :: Poem
  • Making bonfire on the roads
  • Aggression yet again, inspite of playing victim
  • Aftermath of flooding @ Khurai #2 : Gallery
  • Zomia, geopolitics, & the struggle for unity
  • COVID-19: Update 15 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Condolences : Demise of 2 Manipuri Girls
  • Manipur unites in grief after Air India tragedy
  • Hail arms recovery as step toward peace
  • Cleanliness Drive at JNIMS Campus
  • Global Wind Day for a clean environment
  • First came the rain, then the heat
  • Rise in Covid-19 cases
  • Thang-Ta Day @Khuman Lampak #3 : Gallery
  • Meetei diaspora in UK runs for Myanmar victim
  • Manipur empower children with disabilities
  • COVID-19: Update 14 June 2025 : Manipur
  • World Blood Donor Day 2025
  • The Power of Poppy - 85 :: Poem
  • A Northeast Gin Makes Its Mark
  • Mera Houchongba @Kangla #3 : Gallery
  • Saluting Nganthoi, Lamnunthem : Joining hand
  • Condolence : Nganthoi & Lamnunthem
  • 50 years of Pebet #2 : Gallery
  • Indo-Naga Talks (From 2012) :: Timeline
  • Colonial Knowledge in NE India #4
  • Namphake Monastery @ Dibrugarh : Gallery
  • Protest @Checkon -AT arrest [Jun 9] : Gallery
  • Protests - AT arrest [Jun 8 night] : Gallery
  • Aftermath of flooding @ Khurai #1 : Gallery
  • /li>
  • Flooding at JNIMS Hospital #2 : Gallery
  • North East NSS Festival @ MU : Gallery
  • 27th Meira Paibi Numit : Gallery
  • Trump's tariff legacy & its global echo
  • Flooding at JNIMS Hospital #1 : Gallery
  • Flooding Imphal East [31 May] #3 : Gallery
  • Flooding Imphal East [31 May] #2 : Gallery
  • Flooding Imphal East [31 May] #1 : Gallery
  • S Nirupama @Miss Universe : Gallery
  • Protesters to Raj Bhavan [May 25]: Gallery
  • Human Chain @Airport road [May 26]: Gallery
  • Miss Shirui Pageant Contestant: Gallery
  • 48 hrs Bandh: protest security forces: Gallery
  • Protest Rally: Journalist harassment: Gallery
  • HSLC 2025: Full Result (Check Roll No)
  • HSLC 2025: Important Info & Grading System
  • HSLC 2025 : Compartmental candidates
  • HSLC 2025 : Comparative Statement
  • HSLC 2025 : Statistical Abstract
  • HSLC 2025 : District Pass Percentage
  • HSLC 2025 : Govt School Pass %
  • HSLC 2025 : Aided School Pass %
  • HSLC 2025 : Private School Pass %
  • People's Convention on 3rd May #2 : Gallery
  • Featured Front Page Photo 2025 #2: Gallery
  • Riya Khwairakpam : HSE Science Topper
  • Keisham Hannah : HSE Arts Topper
  • Warepam Lidia : HSE Commerce Topper
  • HSE 2025 Result : Science Full Result
  • HSE 2025 Result : Arts Full Result
  • HSE 2025 Result : Commerce Full Result
  • HSE 2025 Information / Abbreviation
  • HSE 2025 Topper : Science
  • HSE 2025 Topper : Arts
  • HSE 2025 Topper : Commerce
  • HSE 2025 : Pass Percentage
  • HSE 2025 : Result Abstract
  • HSE 2025 : Candidates with Highest Marks
  • Ougri Lirol :: Part 1 : Ooba Video
  • President's Rule in Manipur : 1967 - 2025
  • Downloadable Manipuri Calendar :: 2025