1. ISSN (Print): 2328-3777, ISSN (Online): 2328-3785, ISSN (CD-ROM): 2328-3793
American International Journal of
Research in Formal, Applied
& Natural Sciences
AIJRFANS 14-260; © 2014, AIJRFANS All Rights Reserved Page 119
Available online at http://www.iasir.net
AIJRFANS is a refereed, indexed, peer-reviewed, multidisciplinary and open access journal published by
International Association of Scientific Innovation and Research (IASIR), USA
(An Association Unifying the Sciences, Engineering, and Applied Research)
Introduction of Vogtia malloi syn. Arcola malloi as biocontrol agent of
Water Hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) in Devipatan Division (U.P.).
Richa Tripathi+
, D.S. Shukla+
,Akanksha Tripathi++
, ,
H.D.Dwivedi+++
+
Botany Deptt, MLK PG College, Balrampur, U.P., India
+ +
Zoology Department, M.L.K.P.G. College, Balrampur, U.P., India
+++
Botany Department, S.V.N.P.G. College, Kalan Sultanpur, U.P., India
I. Introduction
Weeds can be defined as plants growing out of place and of course they are the biggest natural
enemies of biodiversity. Originally these weeds were introduced as ornamental plants for ponds because of their
attractive flowers or foliage, or their ability to grow quickly. The intentional and unintentional dumping of pond
plants, water and unwanted fish has led to the infestation of natural waterways. These weeds often out-compete
local species and seriously affect the local ecology. Not only do they affect native wildlife but can also impact
on recreational activities such as swimming, boating and fishing and can ruin the aesthetic appeal of the water
body. As a weed management method, biological control offers an ecofriendly approach that complements
conventional methods. Vogtia malloi was introduced to the United States in the 1970s to attack the alligator
weed (Alternanthera philoxeroides)1
.
Materials and Methods
About the Weed-
Seven species of the genus Eichhornia are found worldwide2
. In India Eichhornia crassipes is the
most noxious aquatic weed. Eichhornia crassipes (Water hyacinth) is a free floating perennial aquatic plant
which is native to tropical and subtropical South America. It has been widely introduced throughout North
America, Asia, Australia, and Africa. It can be found in large water reservoirs allover India.
About the Insect-
The moth Vogtia malloi (Pyralidae: Phycitinae) was named in 1961 when Jose A. Pastrana3
described it
as a new genus and species. Vogtia may be recognized by the following characteristics: large labial palpi, three
times the diameter of the eye, pointing forward with loose, thick scales and an obtuse third joint; no maxillary
palpi are present; ocelli are present; the front wing has smooth scales, a slightly curved edge, and ten veins. The
wingspan is 20-22 mm and the wings are straw-colored, dashed with brown scales on the edge and tip of the
wing. This insect was discovered by George Vogt in his surveys in South America for natural enemies of
alligator weed for possible introduction into the United States. Vogtia was one of the four insects considered by
Vogt4
(1961) as a major suppressant of alligator weed in South America.
II. Experimental Methodology
Mass cultivation of Vogtia malloi-
Inoculam of Vogtia malloi5
(Fig.1) was obtained from the ‘Mewalal Pond’ of Balrampur, U.P. One pair of
adult Vogtia malloi was placed each on ten plants in the cultivation pond of Suaon Nalah near Naharbalaganj,
district Balrampur, U.P. Vogtia malloi inserted eggs either singly or in group of up to 25 inside the petiole.
About 30°C is optimal for feeding and oviposition. Eggs were hatched in 17 days and larvae fed and
developed inside the petioles. Fully grown larvae were moved into the water near the upper root zone, created
a ball around them formed from lateral roots and attached to the main root axis. The larvae possibly use roots
as Oxygen source. After 75 days, adult insects were harvested twice a week.
Introduction of Vogtia malloi -
Vogtia malloi was introduced in the ‘Test Pond pond of MLK PG College, Balrampur, U.P., as well as over 4
plants of Eichhornia in the aquarium of Zoology department, M.L.K. P.G. College. The pond was highly
infested with Water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes). One pair of adult Vogtia malloi was placed each on ten
plants in the test pond of ‘MLK PG College, Balrampur, U.P.
Observations-
Abstract: Eichhornia crassipes (Water hyacinth) is a major aquatic weed of India. It is very tough to
control is by chemicals because of their harmful side effects. Present study shows the easy and ecofriendly
management of this weed by the insect Vogtia malloi syn. Arcola malloi.

2. Richa Tripathi et al., American International Journal of Research in Formal, Applied & Natural Sciences, 6(2), March-May 2014, pp. 119-
120
AIJRFANS 14-260; © 2014, AIJRFANS All Rights Reserved Page 120
After 25 days there were seen larvae of the insect. The adult was seen after 15 days thereafter. Being a nocturnal
moth Vogtia malloi oviposited on terminal leaves. Larvae tunneled into stems, and later exit at irregular
intervals, re-entered and thereby damaged a number of stems as they passed through five instars. Pupation was
inside the hollow stem, and there were 3-5 generations per year. Extensive stem collapse resulted from the
feeding of V. malloi and it developed satisfactorily on both rooted and free floating plants.
III. Results and Discussion
Very encouraging results were obtained to manage this noxious weed in the form of multiple lesions and
necrosis of leaves as well as total feeding of leaves of Water hyacinth. Preliminary quantitative data from test
pond indicate a reduction in leaf length, leaf laminar area and fresh weight at several sites and general increases
in larval mining, feeding scars and adult weevil density. About 48% reduction in shoot biomass was recorded in
the Eichhornia plants grown in the aquarium of the Zoology Department, M.L.K. P.G. College as well as in the
test pond of MLK PG College, Balrampur.
[1]. Coombs, E. M., et al., Eds. (2004). Biological Control of Invasive Plants in the United States. Corvallis: Oregon State University
Press, 146.
[2]. Holm LG, Plucknett DL, Pancho JV, Herberger JP. 1977. The world's worst weeds: distribution and biology. Honolulu:
University Press of Hawaii. 609 pp.
[3]. Pastrana, J. A. 1961. Una nueva Phycitidae (Lep.) parasito de la “lagunilla. Revista de Investigaciones Agricolas 15: 265-272.
[4]. Vogt, G. B. 1961. Exploration for natural enemies of alligator weed and related plants in South America. U. S. Dep. Agric,
Agric. Res. Serv., Entomol. Res. Div., Special Report PI-5, 50p.
[5]. Brown, J. L. and N. R. Spencer. 1973. Vogtia malloi, a newly introduced phycitine moth (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) to control
alligatorweed. Environmental Entomology 2: 519-523.
Fig.1 - Adult Vogtia malloi