Parasitic Wasp Saves South’s Tapioca Crops

• Scientists from ICAR-NBAIR released a parasitic wasp into South India’s tapioca fields, restoring the crop’s health.

• The pest, which feeds on the plant sap, caused leaf curling, stunted growth, and poor tuber formation.

• The pest was introduced in April 2020 in Thrissur, Kerala, causing nearly 1.43 lakh hectares to be infested by 2021.

• The pest’s infestation was costly, harmful to the environment, and unsustainable for small farmers.

• ICAR-NBAIR scientists used classical biological control, introducing a natural enemy from the pest’s native region.

• The wasp, Anagyrus lopezi, lays its eggs inside the pest, reducing mealybug numbers without harming other crops.

• By 2023-24, the pest was under natural control across 1.43 lakh hectares, eliminating the need for chemical sprays.

Agricultural pest management is important topic for Civil service exam (WBCS).

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