IFGTB found the insect which attacks eucalyptus
The severe attack by an invasive gall insect on eucalyptus is found to be spreading to new areas.This was revealed by an extensive survey conducted recently by three teams led by entomologists of Institute of Forest Genetics and Tree Breeding (IFGTB), Coimbatore, in the States of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala and Puducherry.Recently, a severe attack by the pest was noticed by the Andhra Pradesh Forest Development Corporation and referred to IFGTB. The scientists at the IFGTB, after long observation, found that the insect was Leptocybe invasa, a tiny wasp measuring 1.1 to 1.4 mm. The pest was first found in 2002 at Marakkanam, Villupuram district, Tamil Nadu.The occurrence then was restricted to a small pocket and attack was not observed to be serious. Now, the insect attack has assumed greater significance since it has spread to other parts of the country.If the problem is unattended, it may become severe in all the eucalyptus growing areas, said M Surya Prakash, director of IFGTB.The pest attack was observed in nurseries, coppice shoots and young plantations.The affected seedlings show shunted growth and become unsuitable for planting.The attack was also observed in the plantations of one to two years of age, leading to reduced vigor and drooping of branches. The problem needs to be addressed on priority as it may lead to heavy economic loss to the farmers and plantation owners, Surya Prakash said.Eucalyptus is an important pulpwood species, widely used as a raw material in paper and rayon industries in India. It is estimated that about 80 lakh hectares is under eucalyptus cultivation in the country.
