Context (DTE): Lantana remains a challenge for the ecosystem and food security.
Spread of Lantana
Lantana is on the IUCN’s list of top 100 invasive species.
The native range of Lantana camara is Central and South America.
It was introduced in the country as an ornamental plant by the British in the 1800s.
Lantana occupy 40 per cent of forests, including tiger reserves.
Lantana has also invaded most pasture lands in the country.
Lantana camara is known to be toxic to livestock, causing liver damage and photosensitivity.
It is difficult to eradicate due to rapid spread, infestation intensity, allelopathy, opportunistic growth behaviour, reproductivity biology traits, and tenacious resistance to cutting and burning.
Allelopathy
Allelopathy is a biological phenomenon in which one organism produces biochemicalsthat influence other organisms’ growth, survival, development, and reproduction.
Allelochemicals can be used as growth regulators, herbicides, insecticides, and antimicrobial crop protection products.
One species can be an allopath for some but not for other species.
Usage of Lantana
Residents used the dried lantana stems to fence their fields or burn them as charcoal.
Lantana leaves can also be used for antimicrobial, fungicidal and insecticidal properties.
Removal of Lantana
Insects and other biocontrol agents have been implemented with limited degrees of success.
Mechanical control of Lantana can be effective but is labour-intensive and expensive.
Herbicides to manage Lantana are effective but expensive, with severe environmental consequences.
