Mexican Beetles released in State
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, August 13 2015:
As a part of DBT' s Twinning R&D Programme on Congress grass (Parthenium hysterophorus) management in NE Region, scientists from Manipur University, Canchipur and Dr Sushil Kumar, Principal Scientist, Directorate of Weed Research, Jabalpur released 10,000 Mexican Beetle (Zygogramma bicolorata) in three valley districts viz Imphal West, Thoubal and Imphal East.
According to a statement, the Mexican Beetles were released at Waheng Leikai, Keishampat, Heirangoithong, Mongsangei, Langthabal in Imphal West; Irong, Lilong, and Waithou of Thoubal district and Koirengei, near Minuthong and Mantripukhri Mapan of Imphal East in order to feed on Congress grass which is a known allergen producing plant of India.
It is hopeful that the beetle if acclimatized in the climate of Manipur will help in the management of Congress grass.
Such activities will be extended to other states of NE region, the statement said.