The flow of the irrigation ...
Published by RAJAGOPAL DUDDUMPUDI, CSIR/Rtd - SCIENTIST
The flow of the irrigation channels,and other water bodies are fully or partially covered by the aquatic weeds[ floating/submerged] During rabbi season the the water level is getting reduced due to the evaporation/transpiration of aquatic particularly the the water hyacinth which occupy the maximum water surface.Water hyacinth grows very fast in summer due to favorable condition and radiation which supports the luxurious growth of the weed.Chemical control is not advisable,as the the fauna and flora are the indirect target. Biological control is advisable to control the weed infestation,with out any pollution.Biological control is safe to environment and will not cause any side effects as it targets only the specific weeds-there is technology well documented by many authors and its being implemented in many tropical and sub tropical countries in the weed infested ares.Though the technology is available in a couple of research organization its not properly utilized by the Dept of irrigation in India.Biological control is involved by the application of specific insects[weevils and microorganisms] in a favorable conditions to multiply and feed on the targeted weed/pest.Their life cycle is completed only on the host plant,hence this technology is very safe to apply,to reduce the aquatic weed contamination and save the water loss in irrigation channels in farming operation,interested parties are welcome for discussions.
1 Comment
Hi Rajgopal, Greetings from Jaipur. You are very much correct. I have gone through the literature for biological control of weeds and also how to prevent the aquatic weed problem. The first thing is that the source of aquatic weeds be identified and treated. In Chambal Project canals in Rajasthan we have this problem. The Bye passing of old tanks in the canals has been done / being done. The uprooting of weeds from bed of canals is also being done regularly. Weeds develop in clear water. Biological treatment in canals in hundreds of miles may not be very much practicable. It may more suitable in lakes and reservoirs.
Published by Yogesh Agrawal, Director (retired), Minor irrigation schemes, Water Resources Department at Govt of Rajasthan