Present status of eucalyptus gall insect, Leptocybe invasa (Fisher and LaSalle) in Tamil Nadu

The spread of invasive alien species (IAS) is recognized as one of the greatest threats to the ecological and economic well-being of a country. They cause enormous damage to biodiversity and the valuable natural ecosystems on which we depend. In the recent past, many alien species of insects have in...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Current science (Bangalore) 2013-05, Vol.104 (9), p.1135-1136
Main Authors: Senthilkumar, N., Murugesan, S., Thangapandian, K.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
CORRESPONDENCE
Eucalyptus
Eulophidae
Forest genetics
Forest insects
Hymenoptera
Infestation
Insect ecology
Insect pests
Invasive species
Pests
Plant gall
Plantations
Trees
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Summary:The spread of invasive alien species (IAS) is recognized as one of the greatest threats to the ecological and economic well-being of a country. They cause enormous damage to biodiversity and the valuable natural ecosystems on which we depend. In the recent past, many alien species of insects have invaded India affecting forest, agricultural and horticultural production. Scientific management of these has not been fully understood. The eucalyptus gall wasp, Leptocybe invasa (Fisher and LaSalle) (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) is one such species that warrants scientific study. Eucalyptus gall insect problem has been reported from several parts of India super(1-4). The insect forms galls on the leaf midrib, petioles and stems of seedlings and saplings as well as coppice shoots, young coppice and nurseries resulting in the stunting of growth super(5). Galls induced by this wasp can also cause severe injury to young trees and may seriously weaken them. The Institute of Forest Genetics and Tree Breeding (IFGTB), Coimbatore undertook extensive surveys in the eucalyptus plantations in Tamil Nadu during 2007-2009 to assess the extent of infestation by the pest. In order to enhance productivity, many paper companies and farmers are planting high-yielding clones. Many eucalyptus plantations containing the clone C10 have been abandoned since it was considered as the most susceptible clone, which farmers prefer to grow for more biomass.
ISSN:0011-3891