Evaluation of food consumption of Zygogramma bicolorata Pallister 1953, on Parthenium hysterophorus in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India

The feeding potential and non-feeding potential of Mexican beetle, Zygogramma bicolorata Pallister, 1953 (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae) were studied on a common weed Parthenium hysterophorus, under laboratory conditions (temperature 25 to 30 0C and RH 60 to 65%). Ten different sites were chosen from the Dehradun district considering the widespread availability of Parthenium weed in the region. It was observed that the feeding potential of the adult was highest in site 7 (Prem nagar). The feeding rates at the site 7 were, 0±0.00 at 0 hours, 1.8±0.11 at 24 hours, 2.77±0.14 at 48 hours, 3.87±0.03 at 72 hours, 2.74±0.11 at 96 hours, 2.6±0.05 at 120 hours, 0±0.00 at 144 hours and at 2.67±0.07 at 168 hours. Z. bicolorata was more active when it was used in higher density and at initial growing stages of the weed. The fully matured adult stages of Z. bicolorata were less potential in comparison to the younger ones. Non-feeding potential was tested on different weeds and grasses indicated that the beetles were exclusive feeders of Parthenium weed and contributes towards achieving the goal of sustainable development.