Status of biological control of the weed,<i>Lantana camara</i>in India

Abstract

Abstract Natural enemies of Lantana camara L. found locally and the species introduced, established and distributed in India are reviewed. The occurrence of the natural enemies: Lantanop‐haga pusillidactyla, Ophiomyia lantanae, Teleonemia scrupulosa, Epinotia lantana, Hypena sp. (near, abyssinialis) and Archips sp.? micaceana in South India were determined in a survey. Distribution of Octotoma scabripennis and Uroplata girardi from North to South India and E. lantana from South to North India is suggested. Introduction of other exotic natural enemies that have proven beneficial elsewhere, namely Calcomyza lantanae, Neogalea esula, Plagiohammus spinipennls and Salbia haemorrhoidalis is recommended to suppress the weed.