The weed Mikania micrantha which originates from Central and South America, is a fast growing perennial creeping vine that colonises agricultural land and badly damages tree crops and agroforestry/multipurpose trees in moist tropical forest zones in Southwest and Northeast India. The weed has been present in India since the early 1940s but since that time has dramatically increased its range within India. Tree crops and agroforestry/ multipurpose trees particularly badly affected include plantains, tea, Camellia sinensis, bamboo, Bambusa arundinacea, reeds, Ochiandra travancorica, teak, tectonagrandis, and eucalyptus, Eucalyptus tereticornis. These tree crops and other trees are important in the livelihood of rural communities in Kerala and/or other areas of the Western Ghats.

Mikania micrantha also affects subsistence crops grown in short rotation shifting agricultural systems in Northeast India and forest plantation and disturbed natural forest in Northeast and Southwest India.

Biological control by use of fungal pathogens, of the perennial weed, Mikania micrantha in tree crops and agroforestry systems grown or used in tropical moist forest regions of south-west India.

• Distribution, abundance and socio-economic impact of Mikania micantha determined.
• Species/biotypes of biological control agents identified.
• Biocontrol potential determined.
• Host specificity testing requirements determined host specificity tests completed, and import/release protocol developed.
• Indian scientists trained.
• Project outputs publicised and promoted.