Practicing Success

Target Exam

CUET

Subject

Biology

Chapter

Microbes in Human Welfare

Question:

Which weed has been eradicated by biological control?

Options:

Cactus

Eichhornia

Chrysanthemum

Parthenium

Correct Answer:

Cactus

Explanation:

Cactus was the plant which had beautiful flowers and grows very rapidly. This property of the plant was used to decorate the fences or use the plant as hedges in agricultural land sand farms. The plant has been eradicated by the method of biological control.

Of the options provided, the weed that has been successfully eradicated by biological control is Cactus.

Cactus, specifically the Opuntia species, is a type of invasive weed that can cause significant problems in certain regions. It can spread rapidly, outcompeting native vegetation and causing ecological imbalances. In some cases, cactus plants form dense thickets, making land unusable for agriculture or other purposes.

To address the issue of invasive cactus, biological control methods have been employed. One of the most notable examples is the use of the cochineal insect (Dactylopius coccus) as a biological control agent. The cochineal insect feeds on the cactus plant, causing damage and ultimately leading to its control and eradication.

By introducing and establishing populations of the cochineal insect in areas heavily infested with invasive cactus, successful biological control has been achieved in various regions.

Therefore, the weed that has been eradicated by biological control is Cactus (specifically Opuntia species).