Eradicating lantana

Eradicating lantana which is an invasive and highly resilient weed has become a major challenge for foresters as mutation into new strains resistant to the eradication techniques has been reported

Updated At : 02:05 PM Mar 02, 2019 IST

Foresters have devised a full-fledged plan to replenish the lantana infested area, where appropriate economic indigenous species which suppress lantana are planted.

Ambika Sharma

Eradicating lantana, which is an invasive and highly resilient weed, has become a major challenge for foresters, as mutation into new strains, resistant to the eradication techniques, has been reported.

Being a fast-growing weed, about 60 countries face its menace across the globe as it renders the land barren by hindering the growth of other plants. Despite putting into practice various organic, chemical and technical methods to successfully eradiate it, results have not been encouraging. Since it has the tendency to survive even after being eradicated, the need to put in place consistent measures is crucial.

As per a survey, 2,35,492 hectare forestland was found infested with this weed. The infested land then was divided into four categories — 0 to 25 per cent, 25 to 50 per cent, 50 to 75 per cent and 75 to 100 per cent — depending on the quantum of infestation, which include category 1, 2, 3 and 4, respectively. A span of four years has been set for its complete eradication, where step-wise programme has been devised, said ARM Reddy, Additional Principal Conservator of Forests, who is overlooking this project.

“Favourable results have been achieved in the last three years to eradicate lantana, where the programme was in various levels in different areas. It is a leading programme in the nation and based on the inputs, various modifications are being made in the existing programme,” said Dr Ajay Sharma, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests. Lantana has the capacity to grow even years after it is eradicated if appropriate conditions are found, as at times birds help in scattering its seeds.

To rid the land of this weed, a Lantana Rehabilitation Scheme has been underway to convert it into grassland, natural forests, plantation and leave lantana, where it is required from soil conservation point of view. As much as 53,456 hectare has been brought under treatment across the state till now, while 4,000 hectare was being treated in the current fiscal.

“The Lantana Rehabilitation Programme, initiated in 2010 in the state, is a pioneering effort in the entire country and we are in the process of learning as every area has its own peculiarities and complexities and no single technique is successful everywhere. Such land needs to be managed as per site specific requirements,” Reddy said.

Conservator, Solan, Harsh Vardhan Kathuria, while sharing his experience in Solan division, said: “Bamboo has been successfully grown in Taksal area of Parwanoo after ridding the land of lantana. Various locally grown species like Muraya koengii, Dedunia viscose, Carissa opaca, etc., have been planted in areas cleared of lantana.”

He said various areas in Kasauli, Dharampur, Joharji, Chabal, Subathu, Oachghat, Gaura, Sultanpur, Neri, Mamlig, etc., are infested with lantana.

He said lantana can be used in briquette making and though its use in furniture making was also undertaken on an experimental basis, not much success was achieved.

Since the removed lantana can be used for fuel wood, the forest staff involve locals in its eradication. Even grass used in the area thereafter is used by locals and this acts as an added incentive for locals to lend support in this activity, said DFO, Solan, RS Jaswal. He said an area of 319.2 hectare in Solan division was infested with lantana, where an amount of Rs 56,11,700 was being spent in the current fiscal under the lantana eradication programme.