The Parthenium weed has been managed in Jaffna District through mechanical, chemical, and legal methods. However, for its biological control, a program was conducted on Tuesday, 26.08.2025, at 10:00 a.m. at the Neervely North Grama Niladhari Office, under the leadership of Mr. Radhakrishnan Aingaran, Technical Assistant, Neervely.
The event was attended by Mrs. Anjanadevi Srirangan, Deputy Director of Agriculture, Jaffna; Mrs. Dilruksi, Deputy Director, National Plant Protection Service; Assistant Directors of Agriculture, Subject Matter Officers, Agricultural Instructors, Technical Assistants, officers from the Department of Agriculture, and farmers.
In the biological control of Parthenium, the insect commonly known as the Parthenium beetle (Zygogramma bicolorata) is used. This beetle was introduced from Kandy by the National Plant Protection Division of the Department of Agriculture. The life cycle of this beetle consists of four stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. The full cycle completes within 90–100 days. During the larval and adult stages, the beetle feeds on the leaves of Parthenium, thereby destroying the weed. Importantly, this beetle exclusively feeds on Parthenium.
This research-based biological control program has been carried out at agricultural research stations and was experimentally released in selected farming areas of Neervely in Jaffna District, particularly in less populated areas and fields with reduced chemical usage. These activities will continue to be monitored, and further measures will be implemented to manage the spread of Parthenium.
