Insect association with Parthenium hysterophorus weed at different habitats of Sungai Petani, Kedah

Biocontrol of Parthenium weed is a national agenda in Malaysia. A study (field survey) was conducted at Sungai Petani, Kedah to know insect association with the Parthenium
weed and to identify the mechanism of damages caused by the insects. The impact of three different habitats such as residential area, riverside and roadside of Sungai Petani
on the diversity of insects on Parthenium weed was also studied. Significant difference insect in diversity and population were noted in different habitats. Both the harmful and beneficial insects of Parthenium weed were found to associate with the weed. The leaf- footed bug, Acanthocephala femorata was found to lay eggs on the leaf of Parthenium weed, which the larvae might cause damage to the weed. Some leaf-eating grasshopper were also noted on the plant. Among the three habitats, the residential area sheltered more (61%) insects on Parthenium weed than other habitats.