Biology of Cynthia Cardui on Malva Parviflora in the Cold Arid Soil of Kargil (J and K), India

Zakir Hussain

Department of Zoology, University of Jammu, India.

Corresponding Author E-mail: hzakir950@gmail.com

DOI : http://dx.doi.org/10.13005/bbra/2702

ABSTRACT: Ladakh region consists of two districts namely Kargil and Leh district. Kargil lies in the northern most part of Jammu and Kashmir and bestowed with meagre vegetation despite having a larger area of approx. 14086 km². Various crops and medicinal herbs are obtained from the cold arid soils. Cynthia cardui an economically important pest found on Malva parviflora which feed voraciously on the leaves of the plant. Malva parviflora is a medicinal herb with antioxidant activities. An attempt is made for the first time to study the biology of Cynthia cardui in the cold desert of district Kargil. During study it was observed the larval stage exhibits the destructive phase. The different stages of larvae feed on the entire leaves and even the veins and the midribs of the leaf which resulted in skeletinization of the leaves and affect the growth and development of the herb.   

KEYWORDS: Anti-Inflammatory; Biodiversity; Biology; Wildlife

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