Advances in Forestry Research in India

摘要

In forestry, meliaceae is an important family comprises several tree species representing genera i.e. Azadirachta (Neem), Melia (Bakain), Carapa (Littoral, Ail), Soymida (Rohini, Indian Redwood), Chickrassia (Chittagong wood), Cedrela (Toon, Red cedar) Chloroxylon (Satin wood), Switennia (Mahogany) and others. Among them, the tree species Toona cliata (Syn: Cedrela toona Roxb.) and Swietenia macrophylla King and S. mahagoni Jacquim are of considerable economic value. The tree species is susceptible to attack by one of the major lepidopterous pest Hypsipyla robusta Moore (Leplidoptera : Pyralidae). The earliest mention of this insect, through not named is tracable in the form of an enquiry by J.S. Gamble in the first issue of Indian Forester in 1876,where it is sated that insect almost yearly attacks young shoots of the Toon-tree, boring its way along the pith which it seems to live upon, and leaving behind it an unsightly looking mass of the transparent gummy exudation. The insect is a serious obstacle for growing the plantation of above tree species in several parts of the country and outside. The insect cause considerable damage to seed, attacking on shoot, destruction of terminal buds resulting into forking, developing to crooked and stunted trees. The young plantations are much susceptible in open sites than those having overhead or shade.