Biological Control of Forest Weeds in India−Retrospect and Prospects

Abstract

Weeds are one of the major biological agents affecting the productivity of crops, as the weeds compete with economic crops for nutrients from the soil. In forestry, Lantana, Mikania and Eupatorium are important weeds causing incalculable damage, including wildlife management programme. For the management of forest weeds, biological control seems to be the only practical proposition. This paper presents a review of the current status of biological control of forest weeds and suggests future lines of research.