22 August 2025, Pune
ICAR-Directorate of Floricultural Research, Pune organized Parthenium Awareness Week from 16 to 22 August 2025 to sensitize institute staff on the menace of parthenium and its eco-friendly management.
During programme, various activities were undertaken including manual removal of parthenium weeds, release of the Mexican beetle (Zygogramma bicolorata), composting of uprooted plants, and awareness campaigns among office and field staff, students, and research assistants.
The inaugural programme was addressed by Dr. K.V. Prasad, Director, ICAR-DFR, who highlighted the importance of timely management of parthenium in crop fields.
The experts delivered a talk on the parthenium menace and its biological control using Mexican beetles. They demonstrated the various life stages of the beetle to raise awareness and also explained the process of composting parthenium biomass. In addition, they discussed eco-friendly chemical alternatives for effective management of the weed.
The programme concluded on 22nd August 2025, with active participation of staff and students, reinforcing the institute’s commitment to promoting safe and sustainable weed management practices.
(Source: ICAR-Directorate of Floricultural Research, Pune)
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