In India, the damage by Zygogramma bicolorata to sunflower has caused serious questioning of biological control in the media and among scientists. There have been published articles questioning the safety of host-testing and the wisdom of importing exotic insects, even accusations of deliberate sabotage of Indian agriculture. In hindsight, it might have been better not to have released this beetle, even though it is giving good control of parthenium in many areas. The political and social problems that arose when damage was caused to the crops were due in part to the lack of involvement of the growers in the decision to release the agent
(See Project
Initiation).
In Australia, there have been no problems so far. In the very different political and agricultural situation in Australia, even if sunflower crops are damaged, there is likely to be less outcry and questioning. Australian sunflower growers are involved in the decisions to release biological control agents through organisations such as the Queensland Graingrowers Association
(QGA - now part of AgForce
Queensland) or the Farmers Federation
(QFF). They have representatives on the Land Protection Board which funds the research, and receive regular reports of ongoing research. Scientists may address meetings of the QGA or QFF to explain current biocontrol research. Farmers thus have an opportunity to express their concerns and to understand the issues, and in general they believe the scientists are doing their best for agriculture.
