Biomethanation of lantana weed and biotransformation of its toxins

The utility of Lantana camara as a substrate for biogas production and the fate of its toxins after biomethanation process was studied. Both fresh and predigested lantana leaves along with cattle dung were subjected to anaerobic batch digestion for a period of 50 days. Fresh lantana did not produce any biogas. However, predigested lantana did produce biogas but only up to a concentration of 50% (w/w, on dry weight basis). Both, the quantity and quality of biogas was better when cattle dung was supplemented with predigested lantana. Biotransformation of lantana toxins (lantadenes) during the biomethanation process was noticed.     

The life history and host range of Ectagagarcia, a biological control agent for Lantana camra and L. montevidensis in Australia

The life cycle and host specificity of Ectaga garcia were investigated. Moths emerge in the morning and are inactive during the day. Eggs are laid and larvae feed on the undersurface of leaves of Lantana camara and L. montevidensis. Larvae spin protective cocoons from which they feed and in which they pupate. Development from egg to adult takes approximately 48 days. Forty-five plant species were tested to determine host specificity. Females laid eggs only on L. camara and L. montevidensis. In no-choice trials, neonate larvae fed but failed to complete development on nine test species. E. garcia was subsequently approved for release in Australia.