Water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) is an invasive aquatic macrophyte which creates several problems in irrigation system of rivers. To control their rapid distribution in water bodies the biological control method was carried by employing weevils Neochetina bruchi and Neochetina eichhorniae on river based field trial. The study demonstrates effectiveness of biocontrol weevil open field release on experimental site (Chittar river). When compared to first release in field, the weevil intensity was increased in numbers. Active scraping was observed in the leaves and decay spots were seen in the stems of weed. Both N. bruchi and N. eichhorniae (250 No) were introduced biyearly at experimental site for one year. During these two years of observation period, stunted growth and reduced population were observed in the study site. The study highlights importance of Neochetina spp. on the management of E. crassipes.
Keywords
Biological Control, Chittar River, Eichhornia crassipes, Neochetina bruchi, Neochetina eichhorniae, Water Hyacinth.
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