Zygogramma bicolorata (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae): an exotic biocontrol agent of the noxious weed, Parthenium hysterophorus (Asteraceae)

Abstract Parthenium hysterophorus Linnaeus (Asteraceae), commonly known as “congress grass,” is among the 10 worst weeds of India and is considered one of the world’s 100 most harmful invasive species. This species has been introduced accidentally into several countries, including India, and is a major agricultural and rangeland weed in more than 45 countries. It affects crop production, suppressing biodiversity, crop yields, the health of farm animals and human beings, and local and regional economies. Biological control has been found to be a cost-effective management strategy to control the weed, with the leaf beetle, Zygogramma bicolorata Pallister (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), considered an effective and safe biocontrol agent. Several studies have investigated the beetle’s biology, reproduction, and other life attributes. This review compiles the existing information about Z. bicolorata biology, growth, development, reproduction, food, and host specificity, and the effects of abiotic and biotic stressors on the insect’s life attributes. We anticipate that this review will helpful for improving strategies for this bioagent’s swift mass rearing and for developing classical biological control design for Parthenium weed.